In a small community in Green Township, Michigan, a single mother named Lori Brock found herself at the center of a battle against plans by Gotion, a Chinese company with ties to the Communist Party of China (CCP), to build a battery factory. This brave rancher’s fight gained attention as she stood up against the potential threat posed by the factory, not only to her farm but also to the environment and national security. Despite facing intimidation and challenges, Brock’s efforts, along with the concerns of local residents, led to Gotion backing out of the deal to purchase farmland for the factory.

Gotion, a CCP-backed Chinese company, had expressed plans to build a battery factory in Green Township, Michigan. The company completed the purchase of 260 acres of derelict industrial land in the township, but they decided not to acquire two large parcels of land zoned for agriculture use at that time. This decision came as a result of the concerns raised by local residents, including Lori Brock, who vehemently opposed the factory’s presence in their community.

Brock, being a diligent rancher and an environmental advocate, began investigating the potential environmental impact of the battery plant. One of the major concerns was that the factory would be located on the third largest watershed in Michigan, posing a threat to the local ecosystem and water sources. Additionally, the proximity of the largest National Guard training facility in America, located less than 100 miles away, raised national security concerns. William Evanina, the former director of the US National Counterintelligence and Security Center, even testified before a congressional committee, stating that it was “100 percent” likely that the plant would be used for CCP spying.

Brock’s public stance against the battery plant did not come without consequences. She received a warning from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, allegedly filed with the office of Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, citing issues with the condition of her farm. State and local officials employed various tactics in an attempt to intimidate opponents of the factory. Despite these challenges, Brock and other residents remained steadfast in their opposition, determined to protect their community.

“We don’t want that factory in our community no matter what. We want an American company. Not one that is backed by the CCP. We’re almost at war with China right now. Why are we allowing them to buy land here and we can’t buy land in China? It doesn’t make sense. We’re fighting [the deal] tooth and nail.” – Lori Brock

The efforts of Lori Brock and the local residents paid off when Gotion announced that they would not be purchasing the two large parcels of agricultural land for the battery factory. This concession was seen as a significant victory for the community, but Brock emphasized that the fight was far from over. The community remained adamant in their opposition to the factory, citing concerns about the CCP’s involvement and the potential threats it posed to their land, environment, and national security.