Shenango Valley News

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly recently held a town hall meeting in Butler, Pennsylvania, to address a U.S. Department of Energy proposal that could potentially eliminate 1,300 jobs at the Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works plant. The event, attended by approximately 525 concerned individuals, aimed to inform the community about the potential impact of the proposed rule on domestic Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES) production.

During the town hall, Rep. Kelly emphasized the importance of overturning the rule to protect jobs and the local economy. He stated, "The purpose of our town hall was to give the community a chance to make their voice heard. The message we heard was loud and clear: The Department of Energy must formally repeal this rule to save 1,300 family-sustaining jobs at Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works and to protect the Butler economy."

Meanwhile, Jamie Sychak, President of UAW Local 3303, expressed gratitude for the support received from Rep. Kelly and others in advocating for the protection of jobs and national interests. Sychak mentioned, "We are grateful for having this chance to explain this rule and what it could mean to our plant and our membership... Because of this type of support, we are optimistic that the final rule will be favorable to our members, our grid, & our nation."

In response to the DOE's proposed rule, Rep. Kelly, along with Rep. Chris Deluzio, introduced The Distribution Transformer Efficiency & Supply Chain Reliability Act of 2024 to prevent the potential negative impacts on the industry. This legislation aims to establish new standards that enhance energy efficiency while preserving market opportunities for both GOES and amorphous steel.

Despite efforts to engage with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on the matter, a DOE representative was unable to attend the town hall. Rep. Kelly had invited Secretary Granholm to present the Biden administration's proposed rule to the community, underscoring the importance of addressing the concerns raised by local stakeholders.

The town hall served as a platform for community members, union leaders, and elected officials to voice their concerns over the proposed rule that threatens the livelihoods of many individuals in the Butler area. As Rep. Kelly continues to advocate for the protection of jobs at the Cleveland-Cliffs Butler Works plant, the fate of the 1,300 jobs hangs in the balance pending further developments in the ongoing discussions surrounding the DOE's regulatory proposal.