Harrisburg, PA - Following President Biden’s announcement that he has decided to use his authority to block the proposed U.S. Steel - Nippon Steel merger, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis released the following statements.

Statement from Governor Josh Shapiro:

"Since the day this proposed deal between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel was announced, my team and I have been engaged in intensive dialogue with all parties involved – and my top priority, as always, has been protecting Pennsylvania workers and fighting for a better future for our Commonwealth. Over the past year, I have worked to bring the parties involved together to protect Pennsylvania jobs, secure commitments to make major investments in our Commonwealth, and stand up for the Pennsylvania workers who built U.S. Steel from the ground up.

“The federal government has the sole authority to approve or block this deal – and throughout the last year, both President Biden and President-elect Trump made clear that they were opposed to it. President Biden has now used his authority to block the transaction.

“As next steps play out and as I have expressed directly to U.S. Steel leadership, I expect U.S. Steel to uphold their commitments to Western Pennsylvania, refrain from threatening the jobs and livelihoods of the Pennsylvanians who work at the Mon Valley Works and at U.S. Steel HQ and their families, and work collaboratively to ensure the future of American steelmaking takes place right here in our Commonwealth. I also expect any other potential buyers to demonstrate the strong commitments to capital investment and protecting and growing Pennsylvania jobs that Nippon Steel placed on the table during my continued dialogue with their leadership – and I will continue to engage with all interested parties directly as I continue to fight for Pennsylvania.

“This matter is far from over - we must find a long-term solution that protects the future of steelmaking in Western Pennsylvania and the workers who built U.S. Steel and built this country.”

Statement from Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis:

"This issue is personal for me. I grew up and still live in the shadow of U.S. Steel plants. I went to high school with people who work at the Mon Valley Works. I know the pain and frustration of my neighbors who watched as the steel industry collapsed, laying off thousands of workers and shuttering factories, while leaders in Washington did nothing. I'm deeply concerned this is happening again – and that is unacceptable.

"Now that President Biden has blocked this deal, we need to find a long-term plan for keeping steel production in the Mon Valley and protecting Pennsylvania workers' livelihoods. No more statements and fired-off social media posts – the workers and their families need to hear a plan.

"Governor Shapiro and I will continue to work 24-7 to bring all parties together to protect Pennsylvania jobs and ensure Western Pennsylvania remains central to the future of American steelmaking."