Gary Common Council Calls For US Steel Plant Modernization

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Gary Common Council unanimously approved a resolution urging U.S. Steel and its parent company, Nippon Steel, to invest in cleaner steelmaking technology at the Gary Works plant, saying modernization is essential to preserve jobs, strengthen the regional economy and reduce harmful pollution.

The resolution calls on the companies to use remaining investment funds committed to Gary Works to install a direct reduction iron facility and related equipment, replacing aging blast furnace technology with a process the council said produces fewer emissions while maintaining steel quality.

Council members also encouraged future steel manufacturing investments in Indiana.

In adopting the measure, the council cited Gary’s designation as an Environmental Protection Agency environmental justice community, noting residents have long faced industrial pollution and associated health concerns while also depending on the steel mill for jobs and tax revenue. The resolution argues that direct reduction technology would help improve air quality while keeping Gary Works competitive as the steel industry increasingly adopts newer production methods.

The council also urged U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel to comply with updated federal hazardous air pollution standards for integrated steel mills and pledged to work collaboratively on a transition that protects union jobs, supports workforce training and local hiring, and promotes long-term investment in Gary.

The resolution will be sent to state and federal officials, neighboring communities and other steel-producing regions.

Courtesy: www.inkfreenews.com