Three-fourths of
all American steel
is recycled, part
of the industry’s
clear environmental commitment.

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AISI Works with Senators and Congressmen on Letters Issued to President Obama in Support of Border Measure

AISI staff actively worked in support of a strongly-worded letter signed by 10 Democratic senators to President Obama explaining that their support for climate change legislation is conditioned on the inclusion of border measures that will protect the steel industry and other energy-intensive, trade-exposed manufacturing sectors. AISI also actively lobbied for signatories to a similar House letter, signed by 28 Members and sent to President Obama, stating that they will not be able to support a climate change conference report if it does not protect American manufacturing.

“The steel industry thanks the 10 senators and 28 Members for their support for the inclusion of a border adjustment measure in climate legislation,” said Thomas J. Gibson, president and CEO of AISI. “To avoid undermining the environmental objective of the climate legislation and to maintain a level playing field for American manufacturing, a border adjustment measure should be included and take effect at the same time that U.S. producers are subject to increased costs, and should apply to imports from all countries that do not have in place GHG emissions reduction requirements comparable to those adopted in the United States.”

“It is essential that any clean energy legislation not only address the crisis of climate change, but include strong provisions to ensure the strength and viability of domestic manufacturing,” said the Senate letter. “Further, any climate change legislation must prevent the export of jobs and related greenhouse gas emissions to countries that fail to take actions to combat the threat of global warming comparable to those taken by the United States.”

The House letter concludes by stating: “We cannot support a final bill that does not treat American manufacturers fairly, and we urge you to support a fair and equitable solution for American workers.” To read the full Senate letter, click here. To read the full House letter, click here. For more information, contact Chris Hughes.