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DEARBORN, MI — Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) and State Rep. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) announce that Cleveland Cliffs, the owners of AK Steel, are withdrawing their permit requests to increase allowable thresholds for manganese and lead emissions. This comes after months of conversations, led by Congresswoman Dingell, Rep. Hammoud, and community advocates.

“After lengthy and productive conversations with Cleveland Cliffs, they fully understand the community’s concerns and have expressed their strong desire to change the relationship of previous owners with the community,” said Dingell. “The action today is a demonstration of that commitment, Cleveland Cliffs has indicated they have begun what they intend to be regular meetings with community leaders on a regular basis and intend to work together to hear and respond to the needs and concerns of the community. We will keep working together to ensure that goal is met.” 

“As Cleveland Cliffs acquired AK Steel, we began conversations on how we can work to prioritize the concerns and well-being of our community,” said Hammoud. “The withdrawal of these permits is a strong signal from the new ownership that they hear us and want to work with us. We’re hopeful this is just a first step on a long path to improve the quality of life for our residents.”

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