Hm. So they were trying to bring it in and create some jobs...I am all for that, though not enthralled with any Chinese companies, nor the EV industry.
But perversely, part of me wants to force Lithium mining and battery production just to piss of Leftists, who scream on one hand we must all drive EVs, but on the other hand, don’t want lithium mining or battery production in their back yard.
I see your point, but the thing is, with the Federal government having become the gluttonous beast it is, displacing state and local rights, their tyranny is extending right into our back yards.
It reminds me of the famous Leon Trotsky quote which could be paraphrased to “National Politics”: “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you.”
You are right that there is no escape from the Federal monster.
My point is that any political effort is better directed at the local level.
In DC the senators and congress are voting on 3000 page Bills written by lobbyists.
If you want to, for example, block the Chinese battery factory, it has to be at the local level.