Letter to the editor: Health department must dodge U.S. Steel bullet

The Allegheny County Board of Health is proposing updates to coke oven gas emissions at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works. Years ago, the corporation committed to upgrading those ovens but stopped partway through the job. Last year, U.S. Steel made another commitment, to invest $1.2 billion in its Mon Valley Works, but rather than backing up that promise to our region, it invested $700 million for a 49.9% stake in a nonunion Arkansas mini-mill with an option to purchase the rest.

That should give the labor representatives pause, but instead they join the company in delay tactics. When asked on Oct. 31 about these parallel commitments, U.S. Steel CEO David Burritt stated that it can “decide where this (money) goes and when we pull the trigger.” His closing comment, “I’m going to let you continue to wonder,” says it all.

There is nothing for us to wonder about. That gun is pointed at all of us.

The health department should dodge that bullet and do the right thing for steelworkers and other residents alike. We are forced to breathe some of the worst air in America. Implement those changes.

Howard M. Rieger

Squirrel Hill