A bipartisan duo in the Ohio House of Representatives is championing a bill intended to promote the U.S. iron industry.
House Bill 284 requires the use of iron produced in the United States in certain state-funded projects, an extension of current law that makes the same requirement for U.S.-produced steel.
“This legislation is a win for Ohio and the American economy at large,” said Lucas County Rep. Erika White, D-Springfield Township, a sponsor of the bill. “The bill invests in the state’s economy.”
Steelmaker Cleveland Cliffs’ Toledo facility specializes in the manufacture of hot-briquetted iron, what White characterized as “an environmentally friendly alternative” to traditional iron processing.
“The facility has a low-cost production process, and the iron can be used for various furnaces, and is also sold to third parties,” she said during a House Development Committee hearing. “Many of our districts have a longstanding manufacturing history that mirrors Toledo’s. It is important that we create legislation that is reflective of the history of the districts we all represent. As a union member, and a champion for working-class people, I will always be in favor of supporting local industries, re-investing in our communities, and creating more job opportunities.”
HB 284 specifies that state-funded infrastructure projects and utility infrastructure improvement projects involving water works or sewage disposal must use
U.S.-produced iron and steel, and requires state institutions of higher education to comply with the rule.
The bill permits the state transportation director to exempt bridge projects from the requirement in certain conditions, analysis of the bill provided.
“This change ensures that Ohio’s infrastructure is built with high-quality, American-produced materials, materials that support our domestic supply chain, promote manufacturing jobs and help ensure our state investments stand the test of time,” said Rep. Mark Hiner of Howard, the Republican sponsor of the legislation.
He pointed to McWane Ductile in Coshocton as a company that would benefit from implementation of the policy outlined in the bill. Founded in 1921, the company is a producer of ductile iron pipe used in infrastructure projects, the company’s website detailed.
“Being a part of the rust belt, Ohio has a rich history in iron and steel production, and our state continues to be a leader in these industries,” Hiner said.
Because of the existing requirement for use of U.S. steel products in state-funded projects, Hiner said he believes adoption of the same requirement for U.S.-produced iron would be seamless.
“The existing framework provides a clear blueprint, ensuring that implementation of this bill will be efficient and effective,” he said.
The bill extends existing penalties for failure to use U.S.-produced steel products to the failure to use U.S.-produced iron products.
The fine is equal to one-and-a-half times the purchase price of the products, analysis detailed.
Hiner noted that the state is not alone in adopting such a measure.
“States like Texas, Oregon, Florida and a slew of others have enacted similar legislation requiring the use of American-made iron and steel in public works projects,” he said. “By aligning with these states, Ohio reaffirms its commitment to supporting domestic manufacturing and ensuring the highest quality materials are used in our infrastructure.”
