U.S. Steel no-sale another chapter in ‘a past that is long since gone’

U.S. Steel Edgar Thomson Works in February 2023. (Photo by Quinn Glabicki/PublicSource) Analysis: The failure of Nippon Steel’s acquisition of its Pittsburgh-based competitor U.S. Steel reminds us that Pittsburgh’s steel communities still struggle with their past. “PublicSource is an independent nonprofit newsroom serving the Pittsburgh region. Sign up for our free newsletters.” Essay by Christopher Briem, PublicSource Editor’s note: In the wake of President Joe Biden’s decision to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan-based Nippon Steel, many regional leaders voiced reactions. Allegheny Conference on Community Development CEO Stefani Pashman wrote: “Nippon made specific commitments that should have been embraced – maintaining a regional headquarters, investing in upgrading facilities and growing jobs in the Mon Valley. Choosing to walk down an uncertain path when a viable and highly beneficial deal is on the table is the wrong decision by the Biden administration.” Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato wrote that “finding a path forward for steel operations in the Mon Valley is an important part of a thriving Allegheny County.” U.S. Steel and Nippon announced that they were “dismayed” at a decision “corrupted by politics” and would “take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights.” The statement called Nippon...