Congressman Ro Khanna has introduced the “Modern Steel Act“, focusing on building new iron and steel plants in deindustrialized towns with an emphasis on sustainability.
Khanna unveiled the bill in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a town with a rich iron and steel history that has been deeply affected by deindustrialization. He was joined by local representative Frank Burns and leaders from the United Steelworkers (USW), Cleveland Cliffs, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the BlueGreen Alliance (BGA), the Sierra Club, the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), as well as local and regional steelworkers, community members, and policymakers.
The bill proposes $10 billion in funding to support the creation of near-zero emission steel facilities, with the aim of making the U.S. a global leader in clean steel production. By prioritizing environmentally friendly technologies, the act seeks to revitalize local economies while contributing to a greener steel industry.
“I am so proud to introduce the “Modern Steel Act”, a transformative initiative designed to revitalize our nation’s iron and steel industry,” said Rep. Ro Khanna. “This legislation is more than just about building new plants; it’s a commitment to creating high-quality jobs, advancing innovation, and fostering economic growth. By investing in new steel plants and sustainable practices, we are not only strengthening our industrial base but also bringing communities together. This bill represents our shared vision for a future where American manufacturing leads the world and where every worker has opportunity. It’s the start of building a stronger, more resilient economy.”
