Reauthorizing the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Act of 1988
REAUTHORIZING THE STEEL AND ALUMINUM ENERGY CONSERVATION AND TECHNOLOGY ACT OF 1988 -- (House of Representatives - April 26, 2005)
Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1158, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act. I want to thank my friend and colleague from Illinois, Representative Biggert for her leadership, as well as Representative Melissa Hart, for her persistence in introducing this legislation in the 108th Congress and again in the 109th Congress.
I am pleased Chairman Boehlert and Ranking Member Gordon acted quickly in the House Science Committee to mark-up this bill and bring it to the floor today because it helps our steel, aluminum, copper, and other metal industries stay competitive in today's global marketplace.
H.R. 1158, the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness bill before us today authorizes the Department of Energy to develop a public and private partnership to build upon important research goals, such as energy efficiency, increasing competitiveness of the U.S. metals industries, and improving the environment. By working together, both the taxpayers and share holders can benefit from this federal cost share between the government and the metals industries.
The domestic steel industry alone has come a long way since the steel crisis began in 1988. In my home state of Illinois, the crisis has resulted in four steel companies filing for bankruptcy, including Laclede Steel and the parent company for Granite City Steel, which are in my Congressional District. Approximately 5,000 steel workers lost their jobs in Illinois alone.
Now, prices are stabilizing and the industry is restructuring and consolidating. All of this has happened without hampering the availability of competitively priced steel products. However, aggressive trade laws and other international pressures can damage the progress that was made. Therefore, it is important we continue down the path of successful recovery because the overall prospects for our steel industry can affect our future economic and national security.
As a member of the Congressional Steel Caucus, I am deeply committed to making sure the metals industries stay competitive and for these reasons, I support to this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same.
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