A tech-forward alternative

Jerry Norris, founder of The Fledge and an experienced auditor, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed "Deep Green" project in Lansing, Michigan, arguing it is primarily a non-clean energy power plant with an attached data center. Norris emphasizes that the Lansing City Council is being asked to approve a 20-year energy commitment without public access to the service contract between Bloom Energy and the Lansing Board of Water & Light (BWL). He also points out the absence of independent environmental impact and noise studies, along with an economic analysis that relies solely on developer-provided numbers. Norris contends that even with all promises met, the project offers a poor trade-off, committing prime downtown land for only fifteen permanent jobs while existing investments worth $660 million are already underway in the area. He disputes the claimed $900,000 annual property tax benefit, stating that due to the Downtown TIFA district, only about $200,000 would reach the general fund. Environmental concerns are central to Norris's argument, as the project's solid oxide fuel cells run on natural gas and emit CO2. He challenges the developer's claim of a 50% emissions reduction, noting it's measured against the dirtiest regional power. Furthermore, Norris cites Bloom Energy's past issues, including a 2013 incident where they were fined over $1 million by the EPA for mishandling hazardous waste containing benzene, contradicting recent assurances to the city council that their fuel cells generate no toxic chemicals. Norris concludes that the project's risks—permanent land commitment, added emissions, and locked-in energy obligations—outweigh its uncertain and modest benefits. He notes that 43 residents spoke against the project at a public hearing compared to six in favor and urges the council to postpone any vote until the Bloom service contract is made public, and independent environmental, noise, and economic studies are completed.