[Willie Green]

Gee, why do you suppose that Brasilian or Chinese steel is so relatively cheap, and why would U.S. automakers rather buy the foreign stuff?

Maybe it's because they don't have to adhere to the same stringent environmental regulations that are imposed on our domestic industry.

Steel production is NOT a labor intensive industry.

And U.S. steelmaking technology is unsurpassed when measured in terms of tons/employee.

Please learn something about this issue before babbling this nonsense again.

[mountaineer]

I'm well aware of the environmental regulations. But you're fooling yourself if you don't think that 1) bad management and 2) big fat union contracts aren't more responsible for the destruction of the American steel industry. Educate myself, WG? I live right here in the Upper Ohio Valley. Every day is an education.

[dirtydanusa]

Maybe it's because they don't have to adhere to the same stringent environmental regulations that are imposed on our domestic industry.

. At my steel mill, we have a huge waste treatment plant which has to send samples to a local testing firm regularly. The EPA also has monitor stations along the river to detect any violations. They have a trailer which monitors air quality from any stack or vent they wish to monitor. The company makes us wear Kevlar gloves and arm guards, metatarsal shoes, hard hats and safety glasses. All added expenses the Chinese do not have to conform to or even have a choice to wear.