Nippon Steel invests $1 billion in Gary Works but raises air quality concerns

In recent months, the federal government has been negotiating a significant investment deal involving U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, a prominent Japanese company. This partnership is centered around a planned $1 billion investment in the Gary Works facility, the largest steel plant in the United States, located in Gary, Indiana. This initiative has generated considerable interest and concern from local officials and residents alike, particularly regarding its potential impact on both the local economy and air quality. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton has expressed optimism regarding the investment, indicating that it could lead to significant economic benefits for the community. However, he also emphasizes the need for clarity on what the investment entails, and how it will directly translate into improvements for local residents. Melton is aware that the Gary Works facility is a major source of pollution, which has raised questions about whether the investment will include measures to enhance air quality as well as boost the economy. CBS News Chicago's investigation has highlighted that the Gary Works facility was responsible for releasing more pollutants than any other tracked steel or iron mill in the country according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This alarming statistic underscores the negative health impact that such pollution has on the residents of Gary, many of whom are already advocating for cleaner air. Local activists, such as Fitzpatrick, have called for the adoption of existing technologies that allow for cleaner steelmaking processes. Compounding the issues of pollution, Mayor Melton and local residents are also advocating for U.S. Steel to pay its fair share of taxes. A legislative deal enacted decades ago has allowed U.S. Steel to self-assess its property taxes, resulting in the company not contributing its fair share to the community. Fitzpatrick points to the disparity, noting that residents face serious consequences for not fulfilling their tax obligations, while a major corporation effectively manages to bypass its responsibilities. This ongoing situation raises further questions about the long-term sustainability of both the environment and the local economy as the partnership with Nippon Steel unfolds.