Michigan
How would the port strike impact Michigan’s auto industry? Experts weigh in.
(CBS DETROIT) – Ports across the east and gulf coasts have shut down as the strike of 45,000 dockworkers wraps up the second day Wednesday night.
The strike could eventually impact food and goods, but depending on how long it lasts, it could also impact the auto industry.
Experts said consumers should not overreact. Any impacts will not be like the supply chain issues consumers saw in 2020.
However, if the strike lasts two or three weeks, it could have bigger impacts, including on autoworkers and those looking to buy or repair a car.
Jason Miller, a supply chain management professor at Michigan State University, said Michigan’s auto sector isn’t as exposed as other parts of the country.
“We are far less affected than, let’s say, the German auto plants down in South Carolina and Alabama,” Miller said.
Miller said that in Michigan, most auto imports come from other parts of the U.S. or Canada. Imports from China come through ports on the West Coast that aren’t impacted by the strike.
But he said if the strike lasts for two or three weeks, U.S. autoworkers might start feeling the impacts.
“If we’re starting to see BMW or Mercedes say, ‘Hey, we are going to have to start shutting off a shift, we’re not going to be able to produce these vehicles. We’re going to put people on a temporary layoff.’ And that starts cascading in the south, especially for the auto parts suppliers down there, which cascades to steel, and further upstream,” said Miller.
For those looking to buy a car, experts said there is ample inventory right now.
“Especially the European brands that are coming on mostly from the East Coast. We believe they have built up enough inventory on the lots that are not going to have customers pinched right away. Where it could start to hurt us is parts,” said Erin Keating, an executive analyst with Cox Automotive.
Keating said parts could eventually be delayed at plants and dealerships, but adds that manufacturers knew this strike was a possibility, and had prepared.
“If anything, we might see some congestion happening interstate, with getting things moved around because so much has come in coming early and because things are now coming in from the West Coast. But as consumers are concerned, get to the dealership and do business as usual. I’m sure they’d be happy to see you,” she said.
Miller said consumers need not worry at the moment, but he is keeping his eye on Oct. 14. He said if the strike isn’t close to resolving, importers will have to change their plans. More shipments will be sent to the West Coast, but he said only about 10-15% can be diverted there before they get overwhelmed.
Michigan
US report says corrosion at Michigan nuclear plant above estimates
By Timothy Gardner
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Holtec, the company wanting to reopen the Palisades nuclear reactor in Michigan, found corrosion cracking in steam generators ‘far exceeded’ estimates, the U.S. nuclear power regulator said in a document published on Wednesday.
The administration of President Joe Biden finalized this week a $1.52 billion conditional loan guarantee to the Palisades plant. It is part of an effort by the administration to support nuclear energy, which generates virtually emissions-free power, to curb climate change and to help satisfy rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and digital currency.
A Nuclear Regulatory Commission spokesperson said, “Holtec must ensure the generators will meet NRC requirements if the agency authorizes returning Palisades to operational status.”
Holtec, which has said it wants to return the plant to operation late next year, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A summary of an early September call between the NRC and Holtec published on Wednesday said indications of stress corrosion cracking in tubes in both of the plant’s steam generators “far exceeded estimates based on previous operating history.” It found 1,163 steam generator tubes had indications of the stress cracking. There are more than 16,000 tubes in the units.
Palisades, which shut under a different owner in 2022, is seeking to be the first modern U.S. nuclear power plant to reopen after being fully shut.
The U.S. nuclear regulator said last month that preliminary results from inspections “identified a large number of steam generator tubes with indications that require further analysis and/or repair.”
Steam generators are sensitive components of a nuclear power plant that require meticulous maintenance and are expensive to replace.
(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
Michigan
Michigan voters share who they think won the VP debate
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
Michigan
Mid-Michigan Matters: Providing specialized care for kids & adults
LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Providing specialized care for kids and adults with neurological, developmental, mental, and orthopedic conditions.
Joining Mid-Michigan Matters is Tammy Hannah, President and CEO of Origami Rehabilitation.
They’re a nonprofit organization that serves people with specialized conditions.
Subscribe to our News 10 newsletter and YouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution. Learn more.
Copyright 2024 WILX. All rights reserved.
-
News1 week ago
Cross-Tabs: September 2024 Times/Siena Polls in Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina
-
News1 week ago
Election 2024 Polls: Texas
-
Politics1 week ago
Elon Musk’s pro-Trump super PAC launches website to increase canvassers in battleground states
-
Politics1 week ago
New poll indicates whether Harris or Trump is making gains with younger voters
-
News1 week ago
We're talking to Nevada voters. Here's what role the state could play in the election
-
World1 week ago
Photos: The aftermath of a deadly Israeli attack on southern Beirut
-
News1 week ago
Video: Where Trump and Harris Stand on Democracy
-
World1 week ago
Tanzanian police crack down on planned opposition rally