(File Photo: Source for Photo: FILE – This is a portion of US Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock, Pa., on Sunday, Apr., 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) A Pennsylvania environmental justice group is voicing concerns about the blocked sale of U-S Steel to Nippon Steel, citing its effect on the community and jobs if it ultimately goes through. On Monday, Nippon Steel and U-S Steel filed a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration over the decision. Matthew Mehalik, executive director of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Breathe Project says Nippon’s bid would not have benefited union workers or the community, as it didn’t include a long-term plan for helping the Mon Valley. He adds Nippon said they would honor all collective bargaining agreements, but the union contract expires in 2026. Mehalik says that Nippon’s investment plan lacks specifics on how it will address the long-term health issues caused by decades of pollution in the community. He points out US Steel has faced over sixty-five million in fines and settlement agreements since 2020 due to Clean Air Act violations, primarily stemming from its Mon Valley facilities.