North Columbus News

Senator JD Vance of Ohio has urged the Biden administration to withdraw a proposed emissions rule, citing potential harm to the industrial base in Ohio and nationwide. In a letter addressed to President Biden and EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Senator Vance described the rule as "unworkable for power plants throughout the country" and warned of significant negative impacts on industries, particularly steel.

Since assuming office, Senator Vance has been an advocate for the domestic steel industry. In August, he advised United States Steel Corporation against accepting acquisition bids from foreign entities, emphasizing the industry's importance in maintaining national "security and prosperity."

In an Op-Ed published by the Washington Post, Senator Vance stated: “The board of directors of U.S. Steel must reject any bid from a foreign acquirer. If the courts attempt to block them, then Congress should intervene. We must ensure that corporate transactions such as the sale of U.S. Steel advance our nation’s power and prosperity.”

His letter further detailed concerns about the impact on states like Ohio and Indiana, which rely heavily on fossil fuels for electricity—80 percent in Ohio and 91 percent in Indiana. He expressed concern that increased energy costs could harm steelmakers across the Heartland.

“This administration may tout its public subsidies for electric vehicles and investments in infrastructure, but those near-term demand shocks cannot resolve the long-term strain of climate alarmism and unworkable environmental regulations,” Vance wrote.

He also referenced last year's energy crisis in Europe as a cautionary example: “Rising energy costs, including for electricity, made steel production unprofitable. Several European steel mills were fully or partially idled.”