PITTSBURGH — Community leaders in the Mon Valley are expressing concern over the future of local steel manufacturing and the broader economy after President Joe Biden blocked a deal between U.S. Steel and Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns.
West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly voiced frustration over the decision, warning that Pittsburgh could face an uncertain future without steel. “Can you imagine Pittsburgh without steel? That’s coming unless something happens,” Kelly said, referring to the potential impact on local jobs and communities reliant on the mills in West Mifflin, Braddock, and Clairton.
He emphasized that blocking the deal could hurt these interconnected communities.
“You have people who work in these mills that live on your street, in your church, that go to school with your kids. That’s the point it’s going to have a dramatic effect,” Kelly said.
The United Steelworkers Union, which had pushed to block the deal, remains confident that U.S. Steel can continue supporting jobs and economic stability with responsible management. “We’re confident that U.S. Steel will be able to support good jobs, healthy communities, and robust economic security well into the future,” a union representative said.
However, local leaders also highlighted the benefits Nippon Steel could have brought to the region, particularly with plans to invest millions of dollars in air quality improvements. Rankin Borough President Glenn Ford echoed concerns about pollution, stressing the need to reduce carbon emissions. “I don’t want to live in a community that is filled with pollution,” Ford said.
As the future of the steel industry is still up in the air, Mayor Kelly remains hopeful that national leaders will reconsider the decision, especially with President Trump set to take office soon. “Just because you lose the battle doesn’t mean you lose the war,” Kelly said, urging continued efforts to secure additional support.
While the union doubts a reversal of the decision, local leaders are hopeful a new administration will make a change.
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