🕒 Last updated on September 3, 2025
Middletown, Ohio, has long been known for its giant steel mill. For generations, the mill provided steady work and was the heart of the community.
A steel town caught between two visions
It was celebrated as the place that gave one of its own, JD Vance, a path to the top of American politics.
In recent years, there were hopes that the mill could be transformed into something new. Plans were drawn up to replace its coal-powered furnace with a cleaner, hydrogen-fueled one. The project promised over a thousand construction jobs and more than 170 permanent roles at the plant. For many in Middletown, this looked like the start of a brighter future, combining industry with cleaner air and a modern economy.
But those hopes were cut short. After the Trump administration removed billions of dollars in clean energy incentives, the company that owns the plant decided to cancel its hydrogen project. Instead of leading the way in green steel, the mill will continue using coal and natural gas.
The cancellation has left Middletown at a crossroads. It now sits between two competing national visions: one focused on clean energy investment and another on tariffs and fossil fuels. Residents are divided about which path will truly bring back prosperity.
Jobs lost, dreams delayed
The hydrogen project in Middletown was supposed to be the first of its kind in the country. Backed by federal funding, it was set to turn the city into a pioneer of green steel production. Community leaders believed it would bring fresh tax dollars, new business opportunities, and stability for the future.
Instead, with the cuts to clean energy support, the company walked away from the $1.6 billion plan. It chose not to risk losing money when hydrogen steel still costs much more to produce than coal-based steel. Without government help, making green steel in Middletown was simply too expensive.
For workers and families, the decision meant missed chances. Many were counting on the construction jobs and new permanent positions. Local shops and restaurants had also hoped for more customers once the project got underway. The disappointment was felt across the town.
Some residents expressed frustration, saying that this was a rare opportunity for Middletown to reinvent itself. They worry that the continued reliance on coal and gas will not bring lasting growth. Others, however, welcomed the move, arguing that government subsidies always come with hidden costs and debt.
Divisions in the community
The steel mill remains a symbol of pride for many in Middletown. It still employs thousands of workers and pays strong union wages. Some believe that as long as the mill keeps running, the town will survive. With tariffs now protecting American steel from cheap imports, supporters argue that traditional methods can still keep the plant competitive.
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Yet others say Middletown has been let down. They point to the cancelled clean energy incentives as a missed chance to modernize and bring new industries. They also blame poor communication from Washington, saying people were not told clearly how clean energy could have changed their lives.
Beyond the mill, there are deeper questions about the town’s future. Empty storefronts still line parts of downtown, while some small businesses try hard to revive the local spirit. Many residents say they want opportunities beyond steel—in technology, healthcare, and other growing sectors.
The cancellation of the hydrogen project has only sharpened the divide. Some see tariffs as the way forward; others believe only investment in cleaner industries can rebuild towns like Middletown. What is clear is that the city, once described as the “economic savior” for families, is again facing uncertainty.