[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 136 (Thursday, October 11, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF NUCOR STEEL'S EXEMPLARY CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

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                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 11, 2001

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, those of us who support business and the 
contributions that companies make to our districts often speak of the 
value of ``good corporate citizenship.'' This is a term that can be 
defined in many ways. To some, it can mean creating jobs and making 
substantial economic investment. To others, it can mean taking a 
leadership position on issues of local concern. To still others it can 
mean a willingness to do whatever it takes to improve the lives and 
lifestyles of the people in the community.
  In Leon County, Texas, we are indeed fortunate to have a company that 
satisfies all of those criteria. By virtually any measure, Nucor 
Steel's facility in Jewett is one of our state's top corporate 
citizens, and the relationship it has built with local leaders, schools 
and civic groups is a model for companies everywhere.
  The Jewett facility is a part of Nucor Steel Corporation, the 
nation's largest recycler of steel--with 12 million tons annually--and 
a worldwide leader in technical innovation, safety, and employee 
commitment. During the Jewett site's 26 years of operation, it has 
built a record of accomplishment and civic involvement that has been 
vital to shaping a better quality of life for the people of Leon 
County.
  Those achievements begin with the facility's commitment to the 
environment. The Jewett Division recycles 800,000 tons of scrap metal 
every year. This is material that would otherwise be clogging our 
landfills, or haphazardly discarded on the sides of the road or in 
empty fields. Beyond that, every byproduct of the manufacturing process 
is recycled, further reducing the need for treatment and disposal.
  Underscoring this commitment to environmental stewardship is a 
technology that reduces energy and the need for virgin resources. By 
using the electric arc furnace, or EAF, Nucor saves 2,500 pounds of 
iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone for every 
ton of steel recycled. What's more, the process requires less energy. 
Annually, the EAF process saves enough energy to electrically power the 
entire city of Los Angeles for eight years.
  Even with these successes, the Jewett facility is not resting on its 
laurels. The company is now planning a $150 million investment over the 
next five years at the site that will allow older equipment to be 
phased out and replaced with new, state-of-the-art systems. These 
systems will employ the best developed available technology, and ensure 
that Nucor can meet the most stringent environmental regulations--now 
and in the future.
  The Jewett facility continues to be a major contributor to the local 
economy as well. It has created more than 500 jobs, and Nucor has 
invested $150 million at the site over the past ten years--an 
investment that translates to tax revenues that further support the 
critical services that Leon County delivers its citizens. Additionally, 
Nucor spent about $75 million with local and surrounding vendors last 
year alone, extending its economic impact far beyond the plant's 
physical location.
  Finally, the Jewett Division has repeatedly demonstrated its 
commitment to serving important, essential community needs. Consider 
its education programs, for example. Every child of every Nucor 
employee is eligible for a $2,500-per-year scholarship for college or 
vocational training. To date, the facility has awarded more than $1.6 
million in assistance to 270 students. By helping these young people 
realize their full potential--as professionals, business people, 
teachers and members of the community--Nucor is doing more than 
contributing to the betterment of the students and their families. It 
is contributing to the betterment of society.
  But the civic commitment does not stop there. This is a company that 
has supported alcohol-free student programs like Project Graduation. It 
is a longstanding contributor to 4-H, and the Future Farmers of 
America. For Earth Day, the Jewett facility teamed with Nucor's 
Vulcraft Group in Grapeland, Texas, for a scrap metal recycling drive 
that collected 30 tons of obsolete materials, and also donated live oak 
trees to the Leon County Independent School District. And when Jewett 
needed a public park, Nucor bought the land and donated all the steel 
needed for construction. That effort earned it the local Chamber of 
Commerce's ``Business of the Year'' award.
  Mr. Speaker, the first requirement of corporate citizenship is also 
the most basic: To pull your own weight on behalf of your community. 
Nucor's Jewett facility has done exactly that--and more. With a record 
of environmental stewardship, economic contributions and civil 
leadership, Nucor Steel's Jewett Division has earned the thanks and 
respect of people throughout my district. I appreciate this opportunity 
to share its achievements with you, and to join in the recognition of a 
truly great ``corporate citizen.''

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