Following Representative Ro Khanna’s (D-CA-17) introduction of the Steel Modernization Act of 2024, which will begin to decarbonize the steel industry and strengthen domestic manufacturing, Evergreen Action Industry & Workforce Policy Lead Trevor Dolan released the following statement:

“American steel workers can lead the clean industrial revolution and face the climate crisis head-on. Representative Ro Khanna’s Steel Modernization Act of 2024 represents a remarkable opportunity to ensure American steel can compete in a world with skyrocketing demand for clean steel. It puts people first by focusing on the construction of new, highly efficient steel plants with modern pollution controls, investing deeply in workers and communities, and funding the modern pollution-cutting technologies that existing plants need to stay competitive, stay open, and grow. We can not only strengthen domestic manufacturing, create good union jobs, and uplift communities that have faced decades of underinvestment, but also secure our supply chains at home and increase U.S. industrial competitiveness abroad.

“We have the technological solutions at hand to literally build the world’s infrastructure, if supported by smart policymaking. We applaud Representative Khanna for leading the charge to cut pollution from the steel industry while driving growth and revitalizing underserved communities, and we are excited to see both the House and Senate move forward to shape this legislation. We urge Congress to pass this bill to tackle a major source of climate pollution, create good union jobs, and bring the next generation of steel back to America.”

Earlier this year, Evergreen Action laid out a policy roadmap for cutting carbon pollution from steel and other industrial sectors in a joint memo with Industrious Labs, How Climate Policy Can Help Decarbonize Heavy Industry.