According to local media reports on Thursday, lawmakers in Ohio are taking into consideration a measure that would refer to the blast furnace as a source of green energy. Multiple branches of West Chester, Ohio-based AK Steel are interested in the technology--which would take the waste gas given off by the blast furnace and turning it into reusable fuel. The US Department of Energy has already awarded AK Steel with a $30 million grant under the qualification that the new plant is built before 2015. The US Environmental Protection Agency has also approved of the proposed blast furnace because it provides a use for an otherwise toxic waste gas.
The amendment to the green energy law from Ohio lawmakers would grant the title "renewable energy" to the electricity that would be created by the gases emitted from the blast furnace--even though the furnaces use coke. Wind energy producers have sent a warning to the Ohio government stating that if the bill passes it will damage any further development of wind farms in the state. The warning was sent because the amendment would allow AK Steel to sell its "renewable energy credits" to Ohio's electric utilities. AK Steel plans to use the energy to help reduce its own operating costs.