Representative Bill Kortz
38th Legislative District
June 19, 2008 testimony supporting U.S. Steel's $1.2 billion plan to upgrade Clairton coking facility:
I come before you this evening in strong support of U.S. Steel Corporation’s proposed project to upgrade and dramatically improve the Mon Valley Works Clairton coking operations. I commend U.S. Steel for its proactive plan to invest $1.2 billion in the Clairton facility.
I understand that, for this project to move forward, U.S. Steel must obtain an air permit from the Allegheny County Health Department. I am here this evening to urge the Health Department to approve this permit quickly so that this critical development and environmental improvement project can move forward expeditiously.
The Clairton coking operation has an annual capacity of 4.7 million tons of coke produced from 6 million tons of coal. That coke feeds the Edgar Thompson plant located in Braddock, which in turn produces the steel slabs that are ultimately rolled into sheet steel at the Irvin facility in West Mifflin.
The Clairton operation supports 3000+ steelworker jobs in the Mon Valley Works complex, but is also supportive of an aggregate of 5000 jobs in Pennsylvania. Since 1916, the Clairton coking operations has provided family sustaining gainful employment for thousands upon thousands of Steelworkers.
Many generations of steelworkers and their families - in the Mon Valley region and beyond - owe their lively hood to this plant. Current and future generations will likewise IF the permits are issued and U.S. Steel is allowed to build the most modern Hi-Tech facility designed in the world.
It is important to note, that for every 1 direct steelworker employed, it is estimated between 5 to 7 additional support jobs are created. So, there is an exponential economic rippling effect from the Clairton plant that is far reaching. Extrapolating out the numbers then the total job impact in this region is dramatic (25,000 to 32,000) jobs are linked to this operation.
Additionally, over a period of five years this project will create approximately 600 Building and Construction trade jobs and numerous other economic opportunities for local businesses, service providers and employees. Most importantly, the Clairton Project will also result in significant environmental performance improvements at the Clairton Plant. Soot emissions alone will be reduced by 58% while the overall total emissions will be reduced by 38%.
This facility is not only an economic generator for U.S. Steel, their employees, and support personnel but also the City of Clairton, Allegheny County, and the State of Pennsylvania.
As you may know, U.S. Steel has invested a substantial amount of money in coke oven repair and maintenance at the Clairton Plant over the many years. However, moving forward, they believe the best way to achieve sustainable compliance with strict environmental standards is to replace the existing coke oven batteries with new technology.
I am very concerned that the Clairton Project would be placed in jeopardy by a denial or delay associated with the issuance of the air permit, and I believe strongly that this investment must be located at the Mon Valley Works to secure its long-term future. Therefore, I urge the Health Department to approve U.S. Steel’s air permit application as soon as possible so that U.S. Steel can embark on this substantial environmental investment.
Let me state for the record, failure to approve this air permit for "C" battery and the additional permits can have devastating consequences for this area.
The reality is that U.S. Steel has options of building a new coking operation in another state or another country.
They prefer to build it here. We need them to build it here.
In closing, I would say that the bottom line to this project is that it will dramatically improve environmental control with the most modern hi-tech equipment available in the world and it will secure many thousands of jobs in this region and beyond.
I ask for your positive consideration in this matter and request that issuance of permits be granted quickly so that the project may move forward.
Thank You.
Bill Kortz
State Representative
38th Legislative District