AISI Statement on Particulate Matter Standard Rule Final

WASHINGTON, D.C. –American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) President and CEO Kevin Dempsey provided the following statement regarding the release today by EPA of a new rule on National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter (PM2.5 NAAQS):

“The American steel industry is the cleanest in the world.   That said, we already operate under some of the most stringent air standards.  We are able to keep fully integrated and EAF steel mills operating around-the-clock in urban areas.  We have invested significantly in innovative technologies for lower emission iron making and steelmaking.  On top of that, steel enables other industries to reduce their environmental footprint.   All clean energy technologies use steel. The standard released today will place most of the United States in nonattainment for PM 2.5, regardless of the fact that the majority of PM 2.5 emissions come from natural causes and non-industrial sources.”

AISI submitted comments to EPA on the proposed rule last spring, which can be found here.

-#####-

Contact: Lisa Harrison

202.452.7115 / lharrison@steel.org

AISI serves as the voice of the American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI’s membership is comprised of integrated and electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmakers reflecting the production of both carbon and stainless steels which are critical to the everyday lives of all Americans — including national security, roads and bridges, the electrical grid, clean energy technologies and the automotive market. AISI also represents nearly 80 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry. For more news about steel and its applications, view AISI’s website at www.steel.org. Follow AISI on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter (@AISISteel) or Instagram.