For decades, towns like Weirton, West Virginia stood at the heart of American industry. When the steel mills closed, they didn’t just take away jobs—they took away identities, futures, and hope. Now, something extraordinary is happening.

A company called Form Energy has reopened a long-abandoned steel site to build iron-air batteries that could change the way we store clean energy. And just as important—they’re bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs back to the people who need them most.

But Weirton can’t be the last. There are hundreds of post-industrial communities across the country—places built by coal, steel, and manufacturing—ready for a second chance. What they need is investment, vision, and a fair shot at clean tech jobs that don’t leave them behind. 

We call on Congress, state leaders, and the Department of Energy to expand support for projects like Form Energy’s. That means more funding for battery manufacturing, retraining programs, and incentives for companies that choose to build in hard-hit industrial towns. We also ask that local communities have a seat at the table—from site selection to hiring decisions.

This isn’t about politics—it’s about people. About parents who want their kids to be able to stay in town and still have a future. About welders, electricians, and machinists whose skills are still needed—just in new ways. About honoring the legacy of work while building something better.

The Weirton story proves that we don’t have to choose between economic revival and climate progress. We can have both—but only if we act now.

Add your name if you believe every former steel town deserves a future in clean energy.