President Donald Trump returned to western Pennsylvania Friday to announce an ending to the months-long saga to decide who would own the Pittsburgh-based steelmaking company U.S. Steel.

But even as the deal moves toward a resolution, questions about what it will mean for public health, local economies and climate change linger. U.S. Steel’s coal-based steelmaking facilities are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania.

Nippon Steel of Japan agreed to buy the iconic American company for $15 billion in 2023. In 2024, the sale was opposed by former President Joe Biden and by Trump. Trump said that he was “totally against” the sale and vowed to “block this deal from happening” as president.

Now, Trump has changed his mind.

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