U. S. Steel's Granite City Works Achieves Environmental Milestone with ISO 14001 Certification

United States Steel Corporation's (NYSE: X) Granite City Works has achieved ISO 14001 certification of its environmental management system (EMS) in recognition of the plant's meeting the stringent environmental standards established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is based in Geneva, Switzerland. ISO 14001 certification -- the only internationally recognized EMS standard certified by independent auditors -- is a milestone in Granite City Work's commitment to environmental excellence.

"We are proud of this outstanding environmental achievement," said Merle Stein, general manager of Granite City Works. "In 2002, U. S. Steel became the first U.S. integrated steelmaker to have all of its steelmaking facilities achieve registration under the ISO 14001 EMS standard. After acquiring National Steel's facilities earlier this year, we placed a major emphasis on getting Granite City Works certified for the first time. Achieving ISO 14001 status clearly demonstrates our dedication to continuous environmental improvement and to going beyond compliance to set new standards of environmental performance."

The ISO 14001 standard was finalized in the fall of 1996 as a global measurement of environmental management systems. Its overall aim is to support environmental protection and prevent pollution. "By subscribing to this standard, Granite City Works has made a firm commitment not only to comply with all applicable regulations but to continuously implement new projects to protect and enhance the environment," added Stein.

Certification of Granite City came after an extensive audit by SRI Quality System Registrar, of Wexford, Pa., an independent firm accredited to assess and certify compliance with the ISO standard. In the future, Granite City will use structured audits, conducted both internally and by independent auditors such as SRI, to assess its environmental performance and to ensure continued adherence to the stringent ISO 14001 standard.

"We will be subjected to continuing surveillance audits to assure that Granite City remains in compliance with the standards," Stein noted. "And we welcome that challenge in line with our commitment to ongoing improvement in all areas of our operations, including environmental."

SOURCE: United States Steel Corporation

CONTACT: Mike Dixon, +1-412-433-6860, or John Armstrong,
+1-412-433-6792, both of United States Steel Corporation

Web site: http://www.ussteel.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/929150.html