U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney Shows Support for Local Manufacturing and Energy Industries

U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., visited the Northern Panhandle to meet with business and community leaders and show his support for the local manufacturing and energy industries. Mooney believes that the Northern Panhandle plays a crucial role in the economy of West Virginia.

During his visit, Mooney toured Cleveland-Cliffs Weirton, a facility that produces tinplate and cold-rolled sheet products. He acknowledged the facility’s potential for increased production and recognized the investments made by Cleveland-Cliffs in recent years. However, he also expressed concern over the layoffs that the company had to implement due to increases in the importation of foreign-produced materials.

Mooney highlighted the importance of fair trade in maintaining a level playing field for domestic manufacturers. He mentioned that Cleveland-Cliffs and the United Steelworkers have filed petitions against eight companies to seek the imposition of duties on imports of tin mill products from various countries. He hopes that a hearing before the U.S. International Trade Commission will address these concerns and protect the jobs at the Weirton facility.

In addition to his visit to Cleveland-Cliffs, Mooney also met with employees of Ergon-West Virginia, a refinery involved in the production of specialty oils, resins, petrochemicals, and more.

Mooney’s visit to the Northern Panhandle demonstrates his commitment to supporting local industry and addressing the challenges faced by manufacturers and energy companies. As a candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Joe Manchin, Mooney sees a future for these industries and their contribution to the state’s economy. He is joined in the race for the GOP Senate nomination by Gov. Jim Justice, Chris Rose, and Zane Lawhorn.