Climate Change Policy and the U.S. Steel Industry

摘要

Steelmaking is one of the nation's more energy-intensive manufacturing sectors and is largely coal-based. As such, despite significant reductions in energy use in recent years, the industry is a major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. The international climate change negotiations and the U.S. government's policies and positions in those negotiations are therefore of great importance to the industry. The role of developing countries, many of which are major steel competitors in the international marketplace, targets and timetables, the means of achieving reductions, and several other issues all have important consequences for the industry. The potential for energy taxes is of particular concern to the industry. American steelmakers believe voluntary programs, incentives to stimulate new technology, and provisions for flexibility can be important components of a national strategy.