The government is allowing a troubled steel plant to stay open. The Ilva steel plant in the city of Taranto, Italy is not environmentally friendly; its emissions are associated with cancer risk. Studies have found that cancer rates in areas around the plant are significantly higher than anywhere else in Italy. The government is allowing it to stay open IF the company invests $3.9 billion to "modernize the plant to meet environmental standards". Though the plant is hurting the environment, it is wise for the government to allow it to stay open because if it closed, 20,000 jobs would be lost in addition to the loss of $10.4 billion a year.
This article shows the government's dilemma in deciding between health/environment and many jobs/money. I think they made a good choice, because the damage has already been made and closing it would not do any good at this point. As long as they fix the problems, staying open will be much more beneficial.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/01/world/europe/help-for-a-troubled-steel-plant-in-italy.html?ref=europe&_r=1&
I'm glad that they didn't shut it down, since many people will get to keep their jobs. I also think that it was a wise choice to put money into making the plant less harmful. I hope not too many got cancer from the plant and that no more will.
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