About this episode

The episode discusses the potential shift towards cleaner steel production in the U.S. steel industry and its implications for local communities.

Making steel accounts for around 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But the industry could reduce that number by removing coal from the steel-making process entirely. Three of the U.S.’s last seven coal-based steel mills are situated along Lake Michigan. Together, these facilities produce nearly half of the steel made in the U.S., supplying skyscraper beams, car doors, and appliances across the country. And right now, in Northwest Indiana, a once-in-a-generation decision is on the table.  Nippon Steel, the owners of the Gary Works steel mill, can either extend the life of their aging blast furnaces for another 20 years and continuing coal-based production, or invest in cleaner, next-generation steelmaking. Other steelmakers have already moved towards decarbonization. Will Nippon switch to cleaner steelmaking for the next generation, or double-down on coal?  Guests:  Terry Steagall, Retired Steelworker, United Steelworker Union activist Hilary Lewis, Steel Director, Industrious Labs  Roger Smith, Asia Lead, SteelWatch Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 1:55 Terry Steagall on the importance of the steel industry in northwest Indiana 4:31 Terry Steagall on…

People in this episode

Guests: Terry Steagall, Hilary Lewis, Roger Smith

Topics covered

• steel industry
• decarbonization
• greenhouse gas emissions
• clean steel
• coal-based production

Keywords

• cleaner steel
• steel emissions
• decarbonization
• coal
• steel mills

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nippon Steel, United Steelworker Union, Industrious Labs, SteelWatch

Places: Lake Michigan, Northwest Indiana

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