Steel mill being built in California for first time in 50 years

California is in the process of getting its first steel mill in 50 years.  

The mill is being built by San Diego-based Pacific Steel Group, which broke ground on the project last year, according to the online news outlet SFGATE.com. 

Company officials said last week the project is running on time but acknowledge the cost has increased from $540 million to about $700 million. When the project will be complete is unclear.

When complete, the mill, in Kern County, will reportedly create 700 new jobs. 

That a steel mill would be built in Democrat-led California appears somewhat of a surprise, considering its lawmakers and residents lean more toward green energy over that produced by fossil fuel. 

“This project will bring steel manufacturing back to the Golden State and localize the supply chain – supporting a transition to clean, in-state manufacturing of materials essential for public infrastructure like roads, bridges and hospitals,” Democrat Gov. Gavin Newsom office said in a statement.

The project is being built with some tax incentives. Last month, the Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a property tax refund incentive to employ people from within the county, SFGATE also reports.