Luke Bernstein: Ward helped save U.S. Steel — and Pa. is stronger for it

It is impossible to overstate the stakes in the U.S. Steel-Nippon deal: thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in investment and the future of an iconic industry in Pennsylvania. And while many leaders played a role in securing the deal, one state official stepped up early and never backed down: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward.

Ward has been a relentless advocate for keeping U.S. Steel in Western Pennsylvania. She recognized what this meant not only for Pittsburgh’s economy but also for its identity. Western Pennsylvanians forged the steel that helped build America and the world. The industry’s steady decline over the last several decades has taken a toll on the region and the state, but Ward was determined to do everything in her power to restore its strength and prosperity.

Ward worked the phones before dawn to reach stakeholders in Japan and convened conversations with the company, the union, White House staff and President Trump, whose involvement helped secure key provisions that will support workers, expand production and keep the company headquartered in Pittsburgh.

Ward was not alone; elected officials at all levels came together to help advance this deal, including Sen. Dave McCormick, who played a key role in ensuring the final agreement supports Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy. .

Their support helped reinforce Pennsylvania’s unified message: Pennsylvania is best positioned to maintain its status as a national leader in steel production, these jobs matter and this investment belongs here.

The final deal includes $2.2 billion for Pennsylvania facilities and a $200 million research and development center, and secures $5,000 bonuses for workers. It also locks in U.S. Steel’s existing blast furnace capacity for at least 10 years and ensures no layoffs. That kind of long-term certainty is rare in any industry — and it didn’t happen by accident.

Ward knew this deal could be a make-or-break moment for the region — an opportunity to keep families together, protect good-paying jobs and rebuild an industry that still has a bright future ahead.

Luke Bernstein is the president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.