Bipartisan legislation offered last week by U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) would stimulate and focus more research and development on breakthrough technologies to reduce America’s carbon footprint in steel production.
Such efforts would include applied research on innovative production methods, public-private partnerships to scale-up and commercialize breakthrough low emission technologies, and new tools for quantifying the benefits of advanced steel technologies, according to information provided by Rep. Gonzalez’s office.
“Steel is the backbone of Northeast Ohio manufacturing and critical to the success of our local economy,” Rep. Gonzalez said. “As the industry shifts towards emission-free production, it’s imperative the U.S. take the lead on developing breakthrough technologies in order to stay competitive, create more high-paying jobs, and continue growing our economy.”
Rep. Gonzalez on July 21 sponsored the Steel Upgrading Partnerships and Emissions Reduction (SUPER) Act of 2021, H.R. 4599, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA) to support the development of clean steel breakthrough technologies, protect and grow jobs, and ensure the United States remains a global leader in steel production.
“America has the best steelmakers and the most innovative scientists, and we need both to develop the industry of the future,” said Rep. Lamb. “Manufacturing low-carbon steel is a critical piece of the puzzle to create American jobs and fight climate change. This bill is another bipartisan step, building on the success of the Energy Act of 2020, toward those goals.”
The American Iron and Steel Institute, ClearPath Action, and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions endorsed the bill.
“The SUPER Act, led by Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), would establish DOE’s first crosscutting RD&D program for advanced steel technologies – which would help reduce emissions in the steel industry and strengthen U.S. competitiveness. A true win-win,” said Rich Powell, executive director of ClearPath Action.