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Bill Johnson
Contact: Michael Tadeo 202.225.5705


Reps. Johnson & Capito Fight to Save Jobs Along the Ohio River

Washington, Apr 30 -

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) and Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) released the following statement today after sending a bipartisan letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Lisa Jackson, asking her to protect nearly 500 steel industry jobs along the Ohio River. The letter calls on the EPA to reconsider a proposed rule that would put companies that produce manganese ferroalloy, a critical raw material used in steel manufacturing, out of business. (Click HERE to view the letter)

“The Obama administration’s attack on jobs and free enterprise by out-of-control government regulation must end. This proposed rule by the EPA could cost nearly 500 direct steel industry jobs along the Ohio River, and will cripple America's ability to manufacture the steel needed for everything from automobiles to household products to major defense systems. This is a threat to our economy and our national security, and it is totally unacceptable. President Obama says that he wants to put America back to work, yet his administration is actively working to put more Americans in the unemployment line,” said Bill Johnson. “With each passing month of high unemployment, we are reminded that President Obama’s policies have failed America and continue to make our economy worse. There’s no doubt that we need to protect public health, BUT we can do so without forcing Americans out of their jobs and driving manufacturers out of business.”

“Nearly 500 jobs are at risk if this rule goes forward. With the EPA’s new proposed rule affecting steel manufacturers, I want to ensure that they are using the most up-to-date scientifically proven data. I’ve fought to make sure that the EPA considers jobs and the economy when making decisions. My legislation to turn this suggestion into law passed the House but is awaiting action in the Senate,” stated Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. “We need to look at these rules and regulations in full circle, weighing how they will affect the economy and the environment.” 

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