Miller-Meeks, Energy and Commerce Chairman Guthrie Rally Southeast Iowa to Power the Largest Steel Mill in America

October 23, 2026 Press Release BURLINGTON, IA — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01) hosted House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie and local elected officials and business leaders for an energy roundtable in Burlington on how to power the $15 billion steel mill planned for Lee County, where construction is set to begin next year, and the new businesses and jobs expected to follow it. Participants discussed the need for new natural gas infrastructure to deliver gas to the mill and surrounding development. Companies have passed on Iowa in the past because the natural gas needed to support their operations wasn't available, and Iowa lost jobs because of it. With a $15 billion mill now coming to Southeast Iowa, the region has the opportunity to close that gap. "Iowa has watched jobs and businesses go elsewhere because we didn't have the energy to support them. That ends now. With a $15 billion steel mill coming to Lee County, we are going to build the natural gas infrastructure Iowa needs, and we are going to do it here," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks . "America produces the cleanest energy in the world. There is no reason to outsource our energy needs, and no reason to keep sending Iowa jobs overseas. Powering this mill means more good-paying jobs, more businesses, and more opportunity for hardworking Iowans." Background The Mill: A $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill, one of the largest in American history, is planned for Lee County, Iowa Construction is set to begin next year, with steel production beginning in 2030 The project is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs and support up to 6,000 construction jobs It is projected to add $95 billion to the U.S. economy over the next decade The mill is expected to produce up to 10 million tons of steel a year Miller-Meeks' Role: Congresswoman Miller-Meeks joined President Trump at the White House for the announcement of the project and has played a pivotal role in helping bring this historic steel mill to Iowa She has led efforts to bring American manufacturing back to Iowa, including the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act, signed into law by President Trump She also voted to pass the Working Families Tax Cuts which helped boost domestic manufacturing across the country Energy: About 60% of Iowa's energy comes from wind and about 11% from natural gas Natural gas is needed to power the mill and the businesses expected to build around it ### Issues : Energy