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Environment and community groups are calling on Hyundai to ensure its $6 billion investment in a new steel plant in Louisiana uses zero carbon steel methods that do not contribute to already high pollution levels in the region, known as \u2018Cancer Alley\u2019.<\/p>\n
Lead The Charge<\/a>, a global coalition pushing for fair and sustainable auto supply chains, said the major announcement by the South Korean car maker on Monday must be followed up with evidence to back up their \u201clow carbon\u201d claims, and serious negotiations to ensure harm reduction to and benefits for the local community and environment.<\/p>\n Hyundai yesterday said its investment would be \u201cadvancing future technologies\u201d but questions remained about the potential harm:<\/p>\n The area where the steel project is proposed is part of Louisiana\u2019s \u2018Cancer Alley\u2019, known for toxic levels of pollutants<\/a> resulting in high rates of illnesses, due to high concentration of petrochemical facilities. Hyundai\u2019s statement on the steel project fails to acknowledge community concerns about new industrial development which could raise pollution levels and threaten lives.<\/p>\n The groups said Hyundai must work hard with local communities, labor unions and environmental groups to address serious concerns over how it operates in other regions:<\/p>\n Hyundai\u2019s has stated in its principles \u2018Progress for Humanity\u2019 that<\/a> \u201cemissions-free mobility [is] a fundamental human right\u201d and the supply chain\u2014in this case, their own steel subsidiary\u2014is \u201cnet zero\u201d. Given these commitments, Hyundai has the opportunity to both stride ahead in the industry and fulfil its mission, but without a clear plan for green hydrogen and renewable energy, and meaningful engagement with local communities, Hyundai risks falling short of their stated aspirations.<\/p>\n Matthew Groch, Mighty Earth<\/p>\n \u201cHyundai\u2019s announcement is intended to highlight its focus on the American market and its expanding EV production, but the company\u2019s steel supply chain for these vehicles remains deeply troubling. Hyundai hopes to project an image of itself as an industry leader in the transition to EVs and sustainability, even as its steel supply chains remain linked to Russian coal, labor violations, pollution-related deaths, and the disappearance of activists. Hyundai says its new $5 billion steel mill will produce \u201cnext-generation\u201d steel\u2014but progress truly worth celebrating would be Hyundai committing to steel made with green hydrogen instead of dirty coal or natural gas and with full protections for human rights and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n Yong Kwon, Sierra Club<\/p>\n \u201cIt is not all clear from Hyundai\u2019s public statement that the company has engaged with the local community in Louisiana to discuss the impact of this facility on public health and how this new facility might add to existing pollution in the local area. In addition, the statements from Hyundai do not address whether the company has considered all the pathways to secure a supply of steel made from green hydrogen. These uncertainties exist not only because Hyundai does not appear to be engaging with local communities, but also has not established measurable public goals to use steel made without fossil fuels.\u201d<\/p>\n Background:<\/b> Lead the Charge issues an annual ranking of 18 global automakers based on their efforts to build equitable, sustainable, and fossil-free supply chains as they transition to electric vehicles. This year\u2019s analysis<\/a> shows Hyundai has failed to improve steel and aluminum decarbonization and saw a major drop on workers\u2019 rights.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n
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