JD Vance highlights $1 billion investment in Middletown steel plant during hometown visit
JD Vance visited his hometown of Middletown, Ohio, on Friday to announce a $1 billion investment into the Cleveland-Cliffs Middletown Works steel plant. The project, which includes a $500 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy, will involve rebuilding and upgrading the existing blast furnace and constructing an advanced cogeneration facility. Cleveland-Cliffs stated the investment will improve energy efficiency and lower operating costs while preserving the production of automotive-grade steel. During the event, JD Vance praised the administration's efforts to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. and highlighted his own family's history with the company. He noted that his grandfather, James Vance, worked as a welder at the plant for nearly 40 years. Vance also addressed the cost-of-living concerns of Americans, noting that the administration is working to reverse high prices. While the revised plan received some criticism from environmental advocates who preferred the original hydrogen-ready ironmaking plan, the administration announced the investment will preserve 2,300 jobs and employ over 1,500 workers at peak construction.