The Department of Energy has made an official ruling that will keep the Cleveland Cliffs Butler Works plant open.
The DOE announced they are changing their energy efficiency standards, and will allow longer time frames for companies to continue relying on the steel produced at the plant.
Governor Josh Shapiro applauded the decision saying, “the final rule will allow for Butler Works to continue its existing line of steel production in Western Pennsylvania.”
Congressman Mike Kelly gave credit to the outcry from the community for the reversal, “Make no mistake: the sudden reversal of this rule is a direct result of the Butler community’s massive pushback against this wrongheaded decision.”
In a statement from Cleveland Cliffs they applauded the decision. Saying that “once this rule is enacted, we expect to actually see an increase in demand for our [Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel], opening the possibility of future investments and expansion.”
The changing of this energy efficiency rule saves over 1,500 jobs in both Butler and Zanesville, Ohio, according to Cleveland Cliffs.
