Synopsis: A study by Synapse Energy Economics, commissioned by the Sierra Club, ranks three steel mills in the region as the highest carbon emitters in the US Gary Works took the lead, releasing 8.11 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020. The study also highlights the impact of heavy industry on carbon emissions, public health, and calls for greener practices, reports NWI TimesArticle:In a recent study conducted by Synapse Energy Economics and commissioned by the Sierra Club, it was revealed that three steel mills in the region have earned the dubious distinction of being the highest carbon emitters among mills in the United States. This study, titled "Coming Clean on Industrial Emissions," sheds light on the environmental impact of these mills and their contribution to climate change.Gary Works, a facility owned by U.S. Steel located at 1 N. Broadway in Gary, Indiana, claimed the top spot by emitting a staggering 8.11 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, making it the highest carbon-emitting steel mill in the country for that year.Following closely behind, the Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor Works, situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Porter County, secured the second position nationally among steel mills in carbon emissions. It released a significant 7.4 million metric tons of carbon emissions, which the scientific community has identified as a key driver of climate change.Not far behind, the Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor in East Chicago clinched the third spot nationally, with emissions totaling 5.96 million metric tons of carbon.The study extended its examination beyond emissions to explore the broader impact of heavy industry on the environment and surrounding communities. It revealed that the industrial sector, which includes steel, aluminum, cement, and metallurgical coke industries, is responsible for roughly a quarter of America's carbon emissions.The Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy organization, hopes that this report will serve as a catalyst for heavy industries to adopt greener practices and reduce pollution. Interestingly, the study suggests that heavy industry has the potential to decrease carbon emissions without requiring advanced technologies simply by bringing more plants in line with average emissions standards.Iliana Paul, a senior policy adviser with the Sierra Club, emphasized the significance of public investments and policies like "Buy Clean" in revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. She highlighted that these efforts can lead to cleaner air and water, create stable high-paying jobs, and offer essential public health benefits to communities residing near industrial facilities.The study also drew attention to the health consequences of the iron and steel sector's pollution. It estimated that this pollution contributes to approximately 900 to 2,000 excess deaths annually, along with 20,000 cases of asthma exacerbation, 30,000 instances of respiratory symptoms, and an estimated 400 hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular events each year.Yong Kwon, a senior policy adviser with the Sierra Club, pointed out the need for stricter Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting standards and emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a means to lower other harmful air pollutants.Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing its regulations regarding air pollutants from steel mills, including substances like lead and benzene. Environmental groups have been advocating for more stringent standards.Joab Schultheis, Energy Committee Chair with the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter in Indiana, stressed the importance of lowering emissions for the long-term success of the U.S. heavy industrial sector. He noted that as more industries seek greener steel, U.S. steelmakers must meet this demand to provide high-paying jobs and protect community health.Conclusion, This study serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and public health challenges posed by heavy industries, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. It underscores the urgent need for a transition toward more sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the industrial sector.
Synopsis: A study by Synapse Energy Economics, commissioned by the Sierra Club, ranks three steel mills in the region as the highest carbon emitters in the US Gary Works took the lead, releasing 8.11 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020. The study also highlights the impact of heavy industry on carbon emissions, public health, and calls for greener practices, reports NWI TimesArticle:In a recent study conducted by Synapse Energy Economics and commissioned by the Sierra Club, it was revealed that three steel mills in the region have earned the dubious distinction of being the highest carbon emitters among mills in the United States. This study, titled "Coming Clean on Industrial Emissions," sheds light on the environmental impact of these mills and their contribution to climate change.Gary Works, a facility owned by U.S. Steel located at 1 N. Broadway in Gary, Indiana, claimed the top spot by emitting a staggering 8.11 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in 2020, making it the highest carbon-emitting steel mill in the country for that year.Following closely behind, the Cleveland-Cliffs Burns Harbor Works, situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Porter County, secured the second position nationally among steel mills in carbon emissions. It released a significant 7.4 million metric tons of carbon emissions, which the scientific community has identified as a key driver of climate change.Not far behind, the Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor in East Chicago clinched the third spot nationally, with emissions totaling 5.96 million metric tons of carbon.The study extended its examination beyond emissions to explore the broader impact of heavy industry on the environment and surrounding communities. It revealed that the industrial sector, which includes steel, aluminum, cement, and metallurgical coke industries, is responsible for roughly a quarter of America's carbon emissions.The Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy organization, hopes that this report will serve as a catalyst for heavy industries to adopt greener practices and reduce pollution. Interestingly, the study suggests that heavy industry has the potential to decrease carbon emissions without requiring advanced technologies simply by bringing more plants in line with average emissions standards.Iliana Paul, a senior policy adviser with the Sierra Club, emphasized the significance of public investments and policies like "Buy Clean" in revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. She highlighted that these efforts can lead to cleaner air and water, create stable high-paying jobs, and offer essential public health benefits to communities residing near industrial facilities.The study also drew attention to the health consequences of the iron and steel sector's pollution. It estimated that this pollution contributes to approximately 900 to 2,000 excess deaths annually, along with 20,000 cases of asthma exacerbation, 30,000 instances of respiratory symptoms, and an estimated 400 hospitalizations for respiratory and cardiovascular events each year.Yong Kwon, a senior policy adviser with the Sierra Club, pointed out the need for stricter Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reporting standards and emphasized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions as a means to lower other harmful air pollutants.Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing its regulations regarding air pollutants from steel mills, including substances like lead and benzene. Environmental groups have been advocating for more stringent standards.Joab Schultheis, Energy Committee Chair with the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter in Indiana, stressed the importance of lowering emissions for the long-term success of the U.S. heavy industrial sector. He noted that as more industries seek greener steel, U.S. steelmakers must meet this demand to provide high-paying jobs and protect community health.Conclusion, This study serves as a stark reminder of the environmental and public health challenges posed by heavy industries, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. It underscores the urgent need for a transition toward more sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the industrial sector.
