Bethlehem Lauded for Energy, Environment Improvements
Public Relations DivisionPresenting the certificate was Bill White, Senior Adviser for Climate Change to Carol Browner, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The certificate, Mr. White said, recognizes Bethlehem Steel’s commitment "to taking cost effective measures for enhancing energy efficiency, preventing pollution and reducing greenhouse gases."
Bethlehem Steel earlier this month became the 400th organization, and first integrated steel producer, to join Climate Wise. The program is sponsored by the EPA and supported by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Today’s Climate Wise presentation was held in conjunction with an Energy Technology Showcase being hosted by the DOE at Bethlehem’s Burns Harbor Division. The Showcase is being conducted to demonstrate advancements in technology being made through partnership activities between DOE and the steel industry and to highlight the achievements and continuing efforts of Bethlehem Steel to increase the efficient use of energy, enhance the environment and improve productivity. More than 300 people from industry, government, and academia are participating in the Showcase.
During remarks to assembled guests, Mr. Barnette said that Bethlehem Steel, EPA and DOE officials had come to Burns Harbor for two purposes: the Bethlehem-DOE Showcase and the Climate Wise Partnership.
"But," he continued, "in a larger sense, we’re here today to recognize two important foundations of our country: one, Steel, the Material of Choice, and, two, the public-private partnership of steel and our government, especially as it relates to energy efficiency and the environment."
Also, the Bethlehem chairman said, "It is important to underscore the significance of the relationship between the Climate Wise Program and the steel technologies being showcased today -- technologies, that will improve energy efficiency and productivity, and result in reduced environmental emissions. We are very proud indeed that DOE has selected Burns Harbor to showcase the new technologies."
As an example of how a DOE-sponsored technology project can lead to improved environmental performance, Mr. Barnette pointed to a coal injection system now serving Burns Harbor’s blast furnaces. Funded in part by a $30 million grant from the DOE’s Clean Coal Technology Program, the new facility allows granulated coal to be injected into the furnaces, reducing their need for coke. In addition, the coal injection technology makes possible the use of different types of environmentally acceptable coal that otherwise would not be suitable for use in the steelmaking process.
Stating that one of Bethlehem’s key objectives is to be a good corporate citizen, Mr. Barnette noted that, with a formal environmental protection program in place since 1946, his firm was among the first companies in basic industries to recognize the importance of protecting the environment. That leadership and commitment continues today, he said.
"We are proud that Bethlehem is the first integrated steelmaker to join Climate Wise, and the only steelmaker to endorse the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) Principles.
"Bethlehem will continue to make significant energy and emissions reduction progress. Some of this progress will be accomplished through voluntary programs such as Climate Wise, as well as through other public and private initiatives.
"We very much appreciate the active involvement of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency in promoting voluntary programs that have made, and surely continue to make, significant contributions to Bethlehem Steel and our vision for the future."