What they're saying about it: Biden nixes U.S. Steel-Nippon deal

President Joe Biden blocking the merger of U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel drew some immediate reactions from across the nation. Here’s some of what’s being said:

“Instead of abiding by the law, the process was manipulated to advance President Biden’s political agenda. The President’s statement and order do not present any credible evidence of a national security issue, making clear that this was a political decision.

“We are left with no choice but to take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights.”

— Joint statement from U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel

“The federal government has the sole authority to approve or block this deal — and throughout the last year, both President Biden and President-elect Trump made clear that they were opposed to it. President Biden has now used his authority to block the transaction.

“As next steps play out and as I have expressed directly to U.S. Steel leadership, I expect U.S. Steel to uphold their commitments to Western Pennsylvania, refrain from threatening the jobs and livelihoods of the Pennsylvanians who work at the Mon Valley Works and at U.S. Steel HQ and their families, and work collaboratively to ensure the future of American steelmaking takes place right here in our Commonwealth.

— Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro

“Now that President Biden has blocked this deal, we need to find a long-term plan for keeping steel production in the Mon Valley and protecting Pennsylvania workers’ livelihoods. No more statements and fired-off social media posts — the workers and their families need to hear a plan.”

— Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis

“The original U.S. Steel-Nippon deal was a death sentence for the Mon Valley Works. They had zero concern for the USW members and our communities in the Mon Valley.

“U.S. Steel was met with a united front of hardworking union men and women — a firewall of resistance that forced Nippon to raise their bid by billions and make one concession after another.

“I’m always going to trust and follow the wisdom and the judgement of the union. My goal is their goal: to protect the union way of life and allow it to endure.”

— U.S. Sen. John Fetterman

“Joe Biden has made his ruling. Now it’s time to do everything possible to save the jobs of steelworkers in the Mon Valley. I will do everything I can with the Trump Administration and leaders in both parties to protect this vital industry and related jobs in Pennsylvania.”

— U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick

Related:

• U.S. Steel, Nippon say Biden's decision to block sale was 'political'
• With U.S. Steel deal axed, economic experts question future of Mon Valley steelmaking
• Read Biden's statement about decision to block sale of U.S. Steel
• Read Nippon Steel's statement about Biden's decision to block sale of U.S. Steel

“The bottom line is, U.S. Steel needs major investment to continue operating in southwestern Pennsylvania and Nippon’s offer is currently the only viable option. The local Steelworkers union has done a terrific job of bringing Nippon to the table and negotiating tremendous concessions.

“I am hoping President Trump will consider taking a second look at the local union negotiated concessions and do what needs to be done to let the deal go through or offer a solution that will prevent thousands upon thousands of southwestern Pennsylvania jobs from disappearing over the next five years.”

— Pa. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward

“From the beginning, the workers who power this company should have had a seat at the negotiating table — their livelihoods hung in the balance.

“No matter what, I will keep fighting to protect Western Pa. steelworker jobs and American steelmaking.”

— U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio

“We will continue to work with the United Steelworkers and the entire community to ensure that their needs are met, their rights are protected, and their voices are heard.

This region’s future belongs to the workers and families who built it, not to corporate executives looking to pad their bottom lines. Together, we will fight for a future where manufacturing in the region does not come at the cost of our workers, our air, and our water, and where local communities — like the Mon Valley where I grew up — will actually benefit.”

— U.S. Rep. Summer Lee

“Whoever owns and operates U.S. Steel facilities must invest in clean, modern iron and steel production that protects public health and creates good union jobs. Investing in clean steelmaking will keep American steel globally competitive for generations to come.”

— Hilary Lewis, Steel Director at Industrious Labs

“Throughout this process I’ve maintained that finding a path forward for steel operations in the Mon Valley is an important part of a thriving Allegheny County.

“Ownership should invested in the workers and honor the collective bargaining agreements now and in the future; be a good community partner with the residents of the Mon Valley, and work with county and local government to build a future where everyone can thrive; and invest in new technologies and infrastructure on site to modernize the campus, put local people to work, and improve air quality.”

— Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato

“Today’s decision from the Biden administration opposing the Nippon/USS transaction leaves the future of southwestern Pennsylvania steelmaking uncertain. This deal would have benefited the region’s economy and environment. Nippon made specific commitments that should have been embraced – maintaining a regional headquarters, investing in upgrading facilities and growing jobs in the Mon Valley.

“Choosing to walk down an uncertain path when a viable and highly beneficial deal is on the table is the wrong decision by the Biden administration.”

— Allegheny Conference CEO Stefani Pashman

“Rejecting Nippon’s plans to lock in decades of coal reliance in steelmaking addresses climate and health harms from an industry that has been a legacy polluter, and in doing so, makes room for our manufacturers to modernize the iron and steelmaking process.

“Exacerbating harm to our clean air and water, our health, and our collective future is a clear human security risk to our nation. The Sierra Club applauds President Biden for recognizing that and taking decisive action to protect Americans.”

— Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous