Shenango Valley News

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) has extended an invitation to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to clarify the potential consequences of a proposed rule that could endanger 1,300 jobs at Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works steel plant in Butler, Pennsylvania.

In a letter addressed to the Department of Energy, Rep. Kelly emphasized the need for Secretary Granholm to "answer to the community that this rule proposal would so greatly impact." He further stressed, "I believe it is essential for Secretary Granholm to explain to the Butler community why this rule is so important and why it's worth risking 1,300 family-sustaining jobs." Rep. Kelly expressed his concerns about the rule, stating, "This rule is shortsighted, it's wrongheaded, and threatens the entire regional economy. If the Secretary insists this rule is necessary, I believe she deserves to explain why to those who would be greatly impacted by her decision."

The jobs at risk stem from a Proposed Rule by the U.S. Department of Energy that could undermine domestic Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) production. The Butler Works plant is the last American producer of this essential component for the nation's electrical grid. Rep. Kelly and Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-PA) have introduced legislation to counter the rule, aiming to enhance energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers while preserving market opportunities for GOES and amorphous steel.

The Proposed Rule, which has also garnered the attention of Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH), has raised concerns about potential risks to the U.S. supply chain and national security. The legislation proposed by Rep. Kelly and Rep. Deluzio seeks to prevent the new DOE rule from taking effect, offering alternative standards that balance energy efficiency and supply chain reliability.

As the debate on the proposed rule continues, Rep. Kelly's call for Secretary Granholm to address the community and justify the regulation's impact on jobs remains a focal point in the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of the Butler Works steel plant.