Microchip company Micron Technology is constructing a new facility outside Syracuse — the largest in New York history and largest microchip fabrication facility in U.S. history. While this project presents an incredible economic opportunity for the region, it could have a substantial impact on the natural environment and community surrounding it.

At the end of June, the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the project. The 20,000-page report leaves many questions unanswered about the potential impacts and mitigation measures of the project, and we’re asking you to reach out to these agencies to share your concerns.

The issues the report leaves unresolved include:

• Water Resources and Wetlands. The Micron project stands to destroy hundreds of acres of wetlands harboring complex engaged species habitats and providing natural flood mitigation, and microchip production in general requires toxic chemicals, including PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” However, the DEIS does not provide sufficient detail on the types of chemicals that will be used or how continuous environmental monitoring and compliance will be enforced. The community requires clear, transparent and enforceable mechanisms to avoid contamination and degradation of surface waters and local wetlands.

• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The DEIS does not clarify how Micron will tangibly reduce greenhouse gas emissions nor does it detail a comprehensive renewable energy plan infrastructure.

• Community and Socioeconomic Impacts. The DEIS does not address if Micron will commit to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace and a family-sustaining compensation package for production workers and community groups to ensure workforce development programs and equitable hiring for marginalized local communities, provide other community benefits to ensure affordable housing and accessible public transit, and mitigate potential socioeconomic harms to the community

Read what experts say about the DEIS and add their findings to your comment here.

Use the form on the right to submit your comment by August 11. All comments must be submitted by August 11 to be considered by the agency. We encourage you to personalize your message to include the issues that affect you most.

About Us
Jobs to Move America and our partners in Central New York including SustainCNY, Urban Jobs Task Force, Citizen Action, CNY Solidarity, Neighbors of the Onondaga Nation, IUE-CWA are working together to ensure the historic Micron project results in a healthy community with family-sustaining jobs for generations to come.

What is a DEIS?
A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is a document that analyzes the potential natural and human environmental impacts of a proposed project that is required under the National Environmental Policy Act and the State Environmental Quality Review Act. The process must give the public an opportunity to provide input on the project.