Politics
Politics

Politically Georgia: An electric vehicle plant could jolt the state’s economy

120821 Rutledge: A local resident navigates the 4-way stop on East Main Street in historic downtown Rutledge on his way to the Caboose on Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021. Ed Hogan, owner of the Caboose restaurant, is opposed to the Rivian GA electric vehicle plant saying "it's going to be too many vehicles. There will be 200 cars out here. I don't know what other people want but we like it the way it is" . “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”`

Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@

Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@

120821 Rutledge: A local resident navigates the 4-way stop on East Main Street in historic downtown Rutledge on his way to the Caboose on Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021. Ed Hogan, owner of the Caboose restaurant, is opposed to the Rivian GA electric vehicle plant saying "it's going to be too many vehicles. There will be 200 cars out here. I don't know what other people want but we like it the way it is" . “Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com”`
By and
Dec 15, 2021

It might be one of the biggest economic development projects in Georgia history.

That’s why this episode of the Politically Georgia podcast is focused on the announcement that electric vehicle startup Rivian will build its next plant at a site along I-20 in Monroe and Walton Counties.

Atlanta-Journal Constitution Political Insider Greg Bluestein is joined by investigative reporter J. Scott Trubey to dig into the agreement.

Our journalists look at why it might take years to learn how big this deal really is, why some residents are worried and whether it will be worth the cost in tax incentives.

About the Authors

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter.

Follow Greg Bluestein on facebookFollow Greg Bluestein on twitter

J. Scott Trubey is the senior editor over business, climate and environment coverage at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He previously served as a business reporter for the AJC covering banking, real estate and economic development. He joined the AJC in 2010.

Follow J. Scott Trubey on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

April Newkirk and her family celebrate the life of Newkirk's daughter, Adriana Smith, at Park Avenue Baptist Church on Sunday. Smith was declared brain dead months ago, but the state’s abortion law has prevented doctors from removing her from life support because she's pregnant. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Family of Adriana Smith marks what would have been her 31st birthday

The pregnant Georgia woman has been on life support since February to allow her body to continue growing her fetus.

LISTEN

‘Politically Georgia’ hosts candidate forum for Public Service Commissioner race

The ‘Politically Georgia’ team holds a candidate forum and interview ahead of Tuesday’s election for public service commissioner.

Tensions rise during DeKalb immigration protest with use of tear gas

The events are taking place on the same day as a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

The Latest

Since 2022, the Public Service Commission has approved six rate increases for Georgia Power customers. (AJC 2019)
LISTEN

‘Politically Georgia’ hosts candidate forum for Public Service Commissioner race

Family of Adriana Smith marks what would have been her 31st birthday

Tensions rise during DeKalb immigration protest with use of tear gas

Featured

Aerial photo shows demonstrators holding signs to oppose Trump’s immigration policies during “No Cake for False Kings” protest on the 17th Street NW Bridge, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Atlanta. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Thousands turn out in metro Atlanta; DeKalb immigration protest escalates

The events are taking place on the same day as a military parade in Washington celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

Route changes for metro Atlanta Xpress commuter buses start Monday

The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, which operates Xpress, has said the changes are necessary because of ridership declines since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ronald Acuña Jr. is quickly assembling All-Star case for Braves

In the last 30 days, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is third in batting average, ninth in home runs, first in on-base percentage and second in slugging and OPS