Macomb Today

Reps. Joseph Aragona, Matthew Bierlein, Phil Green, and Gina Johnsen have introduced a package of legislation aimed at prohibiting the use of state funds to purchase materials sourced in an unethical manner. The bills specifically target solar panel and electric vehicle battery components, as well as other products derived from sources involved in forced labor or child labor practices.

Rep. Green emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "It states that if you're going to do business in or with the state of Michigan, you must certify that your products are not sourced through these abhorrent actions. These bills protect children, position our state as a leader in working to stamp out forced labor, and prioritize a responsible and ethical use of people's tax dollars."

The extraction of minerals used in the production of electric vehicle batteries and solar panels has been linked to widespread human rights abuses worldwide, including human trafficking, slave labor, and child labor. Reports from the Democratic Republic of Congo and western China have exposed the alarming practices involved in the extraction and exportation of these materials.

Rep. Aragona highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, particularly in light of the state's commitment to renewable energy. He stated, "We have to be just as aggressive in defining what that means ethically. The cheapest price cannot be allowed to win in these debates — the best price may mean the worst working conditions. We have to be willing to vote with our dollars in favor of free and fair labor markets, even on the other side of the world."

Rep. Bierlein emphasized the responsibility to ensure that green energy products entering the state are not tainted by forced labor or oppressive working conditions. He stated, "These bills recognize and condemn forced and child labor and make it clear that Michigan will not be a part of these unethical supply chains. These bills are a step towards ensuring that the products we use to power a green energy revolution are as clean in their production as they are in their operation."

Rep. Aragona's legislation specifically targets the installation and repair of solar panels or their components. It prohibits any state agency or department from entering into a contract with a provider unless they can prove that forced or child labor was not involved in any part of the process.

The legislation aligns with previous bills that address forced labor in the production of electric vehicle components and projects funded through the Michigan Strategic Fund. Rep. Bierlein's proposal outlines enforcement mechanisms for the plan.

Rep. Johnsen has introduced a corresponding resolution that condemns unethical manufacturing practices, particularly child labor, in the production of electric vehicles and solar panels. She emphasized the need for ethical labor practices and basic human rights in manufacturing processes.

The package of legislation introduced by the Michigan representatives aims to combat the use of forced labor and child labor in the production of solar panels, electric vehicle battery components, and other materials. By prohibiting state funds from being used to purchase these products, Michigan is taking a stand against unethical supply chains and prioritizing responsible and ethical sourcing.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://gophouse.org/posts/ethical-energy-legislators-introduce-package-to-forbid-state-spending-on-inhumanely-sourced-materials-2