Reprinted from Steel Works
“Steel, linked to a variety of industries, is the backbone of America’s infrastructure and was used in building a number of America’s historic landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Sign, the Gateway Arch, and the Ferris wheel. Ferris used both iron and steel in the production of the Ferris wheel and understood the need for structural steel in America. Ferris’ company was in Pennsylvania, the epicenter of the steel revolution. While the steel industry never flourished in Southwest Virginia because of a lack of access to iron, we have the world’s finest supply of metallurgical coal. And I do appreciate the interdependent relationship between the coal and steel industries. Steel plays an important role in America’s economic security, infrastructure, and the future of coal mining jobs nationwide.”
Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (VA-09)
For more information: http://morgangriffith.house.gov/
Steel Facts:
- Steel is the most recycled material in the world—more than aluminum, paper, glass and plastic combined.
- For each steel industry job, it generates seven jobs in other sectors.
- American steel producers generate more than 1.2 million jobs and add more than $350 billion annually to the American economy
- According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, every $1 billion invested in federal highways supports nearly 35,000 American jobs
- The steel industry has reduced its energy intensity per ton of steel produced by 30% and CO2 emissions by 35% since 1990
- 50% of the steels used in automobiles today, did not exist 10 short years ago
http://www.steel.org/en/Steel%20Comment%20Of%20The%20Week.aspx