Agreement Reached with Environmental Groups and Health Department
HARRISBURG, Pa. — U.S. Steel Corp. has reached a settlement in a lawsuit accusing the company of violating federal clean-air laws. The Pittsburgh-based company was accused of operating plants without proper desulfurization controls, resulting in the release of sulfurous gas into nearby towns. The settlement, filed in federal court on Monday, was brought forward by environmental groups Clean Air Council and PennEnvironment, along with the Allegheny County Health Department. The settlement, worth $42 million, includes $37 million in improvements to U.S. Steel’s pollution-control and plant-reliability systems at its Mon Valley Works plants.
Historic Fine in Citizen-Enforced Lawsuit
This settlement represents one of the largest fines ever issued in a citizen-enforced lawsuit relating to federal clean-air laws, according to Clean Air Council and PennEnvironment. The environmental groups emphasized the significance of the announcement, stating that it should serve as a message to all illegal polluters. The executive director of PennEnvironment, David Masur, stressed the importance of holding polluters accountable for the health and well-being of the community.
Company Promises Change
In response to the settlement, Kurt Barshick, the company’s Mon Valley Works vice president, expressed a commitment to making changes. Barshick stated that U.S. Steel recognizes the importance of meeting environmental standards and will strive to improve its practices moving forward.
The lawsuit was initiated by the environmental groups in 2019 after a fire at the company’s Clairton coke plant caused significant damage. The fire led to the destruction of pollution-control equipment, resulting in emissions of sulfur dioxide. As a result, Allegheny County advised residents to limit outdoor activities due to concerns about air quality.
The lawsuit also highlighted ongoing issues with U.S. Steel’s Clairton plant, including repeated breakdowns and a major gas release in 2019. As part of the settlement, U.S. Steel is required to permanently close approximately 60 of its most polluting coke ovens.
Overall, this settlement signals a significant step forward in holding industrial companies accountable for clean-air violations. The financial penalties and required improvements aim to ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment for the affected communities.