Trump Executive Order Directs US Pipelines to Comprise Only Domestic Iron and Steel

President Donald Trump issued an executive order (here) directing the Commerce secretary to develop a plan by July 23 to direct all new and renovated U.S. pipelines to use as much U.S.-made materials and equipment as possible and legal. Trump instructed that the secretary’s plan require all iron and steel used in the pipelines to have undergone U.S. production “from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings.” The order excludes the use of any steel or iron partially produced in other countries. Trump’s nominee for Commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, awaits a Senate confirmation vote after the Senate Commerce Committee on Jan. 24 cleared him for full chamber consideration (see 1701240022). Meanwhile, TransCanada reapplied with the State Department for a presidential permit for construction and operation of the Keystone XL Pipeline, after Trump invited it to (here).