‘They’re committed’: Kemp says Rivian’s long-term plans still includes GA plant

ATLANTA — For the first time, we’re hearing from Gov. Brian Kemp since Rivian announced it would not move forward right now with the construction of a multi-billion-dollar plant in Georgia.

Last week, Rivian announced it was delaying construction after its annual financial reports showed a $5.4 billion net loss over the year.

During a news conference Tuesday, the governor did not hide his frustration over the move but also shared optimism in taking the long view.

“I mean, look, it’s no doubt it’s disappointing that they’re delaying,” Kemp said.

Kemp said he understood how market forces are affecting Rivian.

“They’re dealing with market forces and trying to get the R2 and R3 to the market quicker than they would have been able to do by building the plant,” Kemp said.

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Kemp made it clear today that he doesn’t want to push too hard on Rivian after they announced their losses over the past year, but he said the state of Georgia will hold Rivian to its contractual obligations, especially since the state put up $1.5 billion in incentives to win the Rivian deal.

“Everything they’re telling us, they’re still committed, they can still meet the metrics that they have to under our contract obligations by 2030.

If the plant near Covington comes to fruition, it is expected to create 7,500 jobs. High-paying, skilled jobs that can transform a community and keep Georgia at the forefront of economic strength.

Until then, the governor has to keep those under the Gold Dome united after whispers are emerging that some legislators may propose pulling back on incentives to Rivian.

To that point, the governor said Georgia doesn’t want to send the message that it would renege on its commitments and therefore plans to hold Rivian to theirs.

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Rivian puts plans for $5B Georgia plant on hold Plans for electric vehicle company Rivian to build a $5 billion plant in Georgia have hit a bump in the road.

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