Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young, along with a bipartisan group of senators, has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider three proposed regulations concerning the steel industry. The lawmakers argue that these rules could negatively impact America's steel sector and result in jobs being moved overseas.

In a letter addressed to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the senators expressed concerns about the potential effects of the proposed regulations on both national security and economic stability. The letter was signed by Senators Sherrod Brown, Mike Braun, J.D. Vance, Joe Manchin, Bob Casey, Amy Klobuchar, and Shelley Moore Capito.

The senators stated: “We have serious concerns with these proposed rules because they would dramatically undermine the domestic steel industry and national security while driving production overseas likely resulting in no net reduction in emissions from the steel industry globally.”

The letter emphasized that U.S. steel production is among the cleanest globally and warned that relocating production could lead to increased pollution due to less stringent environmental standards abroad.

Three specific regulations are under scrutiny: National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants related to Integrated Iron and Steel Manufacturing Facilities; Coke Ovens; and Taconite Iron Ore Processing Amendments. The lawmakers claim these rules would impose significant financial burdens on the U.S. steel industry.

While supporting efforts to reduce air pollution, the senators advocated for regulations that are "durable, realistic, and based upon proven technology." They encouraged an inclusive approach involving major stakeholders to develop final rules that protect jobs while achieving emission reductions without compromising competitiveness.

The letter concluded by urging EPA to avoid implementing poorly constructed regulations that might harm domestic manufacturing or increase reliance on foreign manufacturers with higher pollution levels.