“As leaders in sustainability, the American steel industry needs to engage globally as carbon regulations continue to be developed, including promotion of the world's most aggressive pro-climate standard for reducing emissions in the steel industry as recently introduced by the Global Steel Climate Council,” he said.

“With greater than 70% of our steelmaking being EAF-based, we need to make sure regulatory programs recognize the emission reductions already achieved through the circular model of steelmaking.”  

His comments came in accepting AIST’s Steelmaker of the Year Award on Tuesday. The award is presented annually to an industry leader who has demonstrated successful steel industry leadership through continuous improvement, technological innovation, strategic planning and the creation of a strong corporate culture.

Topalian cautioned that irresponsible steel producers are proposing green steel standards to buy themselves time, penalizing low-emission producers and allowing themselves to emit higher levels of CO₂ for longer.

“And then they seek to dump those problems on our shores,” he said. “We must remain vigilant in a world proposing these dirty standards, and of a world of oversupply that continues to exploit every loophole and circumvent our laws.”

Topalian said sustainability and circular steelmaking transcends competition. “Climate change is the existential issue of our time for the entire globe. As American steelmakers, we must continue to lead toward a cleaner future,” he said.