Nucor’s latest attempt to roadblock the construction of rival steel plant Big River Steel was shut down by a judge Thursday. Mississippi County Judge Randy Carney rejected Nucor’s appeal of the January ruling in which the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality lifted a construction stay relating to the issuance of an air permit.
The construction of Big River Steel’s Osceola, Arkansas plant is still on hold as developers continue to lock down financing. Once construction commences (as early as June), it will take 22 months to complete.
John Correnti, CEO of Big River Steel, said to local reporters: “Nucor can do what Nucor wants to do. They can keep up this legal gymnastics, if you will, until the cows come home.”