"Green Charter Township, near Big Rapids, agreed to partner with Gotion to build the facility.
But last year, the township board, with all new members, denied Gotion access to the local water it needs to run the plant after the previous board approved it.
Gotion sued citing breach of contract. The township says the agreement is not enforceable.
Green Township wants to depose Gotion president Chen Li [Lee]. They say Li has intimate knowledge of the plans.
Concerns have swirled for years that Gotion's ties to the Chinese Communist Party pose security risks.
Gotion says that Li does not have unique knowledge of the agreement or plan, and the township is looking to embarrass Li, and exploit his nationality.
Gotion told WCMU (Mt. Pleasant) the company does not comment on active litigation.
The Green Charter Township supervisor and their lawyers did not respond to a request for comment.
