DEARBORN, Mich., April 15, 2024 — The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corp. (formerly AK Steel) finalized an update to a 2015 settlement between the same parties on April 5. Under the modified terms, Cleveland-Cliffs must supply air purifiers to neighboring residents, pay a penalty to the state for releasing too many chemicals, and replace and regularly monitor its electrostatic precipitator, a device used to reduce air emissions. In response to the final agreement, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) issued the following statement:
“Nothing is more fundamental to our health than the air we breathe. This agreement will require one of the largest polluters in our backyard to clean up their act, take meaningful strides towards justice and finally come into compliance with the Clean Air Act. Reducing emissions, providing home air purifiers to residents, and paying penalties are all direct improvements in the lives of Dearborn residents, and I’m proud to support this initiative.”
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