CHICAGO — As the $11 billion deal for U.S. Steel’s acquisition by Nippon Steel progresses, environmental advocates and residents in Gary, Indiana, are raising alarms about pollution and demanding a clear plan for reform.
President Trump recently approved the sale through an executive order, stipulating the formation of a “national security agreement” between the two corporations. Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel jointly announced they had agreed to these terms, including new investments totaling $11 billion by 2028 and the issuance of a “Golden Share” to the U.S. government.
$1 Billion Investment Pledged for Gary Plant
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton confirmed that $1 billion of the planned investment is set for the Gary Works plant — the largest U.S. Steel facility in the country. But specifics remain unclear.
“We are waiting for final specific details,” Melton stated. He emphasized that environmental concerns were discussed with company executives and noted he introduced them to GARD, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development.
Gary Residents Facing Health Consequences
Environmental advocate Carolyn McGrady, part of GARD, warned about long-standing health impacts from the mill’s pollution.
“People know they’re sick,” she said. “Their children have asthma. This has been going on for too long.”
She and others are urging the companies to transition away from coal-powered steelmaking. “It only makes sense to move into the next stage… without the blast furnace,” McGrady added.
EPA Data and Community Demands
A CBS News investigation revealed the Gary plant emits more pollutants than any other steel mill tracked by the EPA. According to a report by Industrious Labs, the plant is linked to over 30,000 annual cases of asthma symptoms in the area.
“We need written plans,” said Hilary Lewis, director at Industrious Labs. “People living near these plants deserve to know what this means for their air, water, and families.”
Lewis highlighted that 97% of people living within 3 miles of the plant are people of color, and 62% are low-income. “Environmental justice must be part of this deal,” she said.
No Timeline, No Comments Yet
Despite community pressure, there is no confirmed timeline for pollution mitigation plans. Repeated requests for comment from both Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel were not returned.
Melton, however, remains cautiously hopeful: “What had been promised to me is communication and transparency.”
Do you live near a major industrial site in Indiana or Illinois? What environmental changes do you want to see? Share your story with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
