With more than 40 years of environmental experience, including over 30 years in the electric arc furnace steel industry, (Jack) John R. Skelley shares how environmental compliance has evolved through better technology, automation, and data management. He explains the importance of practical environmental programs, strong leadership, audits, and accountability. Jack also discusses the growing role of AI, the challenges of changing regulations, and the need for future environmental managers to stay engaged, focus on facts, and build effective systems that support both industry and the environment.

In this episode, expect to learn:

-How environmental compliance in the steel industry depends on strong systems, audits, leadership support, and accountability

-Why technology, automation, and data management are making environmental programs more efficient and easier to manage

-How AI can support routine environmental work, data analysis, and reporting while people remain essential for solving complex problems

-The challenges of changing regulations and why environmental managers need to stay informed and involved in their communities

-Why future environmental professionals should focus on practical solutions, reliable data, and systems that support long term compliance

📢Discover how TenForce helps industrial teams improve safety, compliance, and operational performance.

Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/

📢 To explore more episodes and practical resources

Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/podcast

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:11] - Introduction of Podcast and Guest (Jack) John R. Skelley

[07:54] - Managing Environmental Compliance Across States

[09:07] - Building Practical Environmental Programs

[14:13] - Training, Audits, and a Compliance Culture

[18:06] - Recycling and Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking

[22:33] - Advice for Future Environmental Managers

[28:05] - AI, Data, and Environmental Reporting

[34:49] - The Future of Sustainability and AI

[43:23] - What AI Cannot Replace in Environmental Work

[49:30] - Where to connect with (Jack) John R. Skelley

"Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review."

Follow our Guest (Jack) John R. Skelley on:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-john-r-skelley-88035310/

-Gerdau North America (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/gerdau-north-america/

-Gerdau North America (Website): https://www2.gerdau.com/

Follow Host Julia Dubois on:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dubois-ahimsa/

Follow the Podcast:

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenforce/

-Visit the Website: https://www.tenforce.com/

-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenForceEHSQ

-Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/do/podcast/the-pragmatic-safety-podcast/id6793006276

-Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033Ta0S3lA8IWFXIcj68sA?si=2aa99d9a94d94367

With nearly 30 years of nonprofit communications experience, Gregg Walker shares how the Steel Manufacturers Association is helping shape the future of the American steel industry. He explains how electric arc furnace technology has increased recycling, lowered emissions, and improved steel production. Gregg also discusses the Global Steel Climate Council, the SMA Plan for American Power, workforce challenges, and the growing use of AI in steelmaking. He highlights the industry's focus on safety, community support, and innovation while helping build a stronger and more sustainable future.

In this episode, expect to learn:

-How electric arc furnace technology has helped make American steel production more efficient through recycling and lower emissions

-Why safety, innovation, and strong community support are central to the culture of the American steel industry

-How the Global Steel Climate Council and the SMA Plan for American Power are helping address emissions and future energy needs

-The challenges of recruiting and keeping skilled workers while changing public views of careers in steelmaking

-How AI and new technology are improving safety, operations, and efficiency while supporting the future of steel production

📢Discover how TenForce helps industrial teams improve safety, compliance, and operational performance.

Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/

📢 To explore more episodes and practical resources

Visit: https://www.tenforce.com/podcast

📩Want to learn more about the work of the Steel Manufacturers Association? Send Gregg Walker your questions.

Email him at: walker@steelnet.org

Timestamps:

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:15] - Introduction of Podcast and Guest Gregg Walker

[02:44] - Innovation, Recycling, and Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking

[07:22] - Green Steel and the Global Steel Climate Council

[11:48] - The SMA Plan for American Power

[14:46] - Building a Strong Safety Culture in Steelmaking

[20:20] - Community Support and the Rock Solid Foundation Partnership

[24:50] - Changing Perceptions of the Steel Industry

[28:50] - Trade, Investment, and the Future of American Steel

[34:53] - Workforce Challenges and Attracting New Talent

[39:50] - AI, Technology, and the Future of Steelmaking

[46:00] - Where to Learn More About the Steel Manufacturers Association

"Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review."

Follow our Guest Gregg Walker on:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-walker-86789821/

-Steel Manufacturers Association (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-manufacturers-association/

-Steel Manufacturers Association (Website): https://steelnet.org/

Follow Host Julia Dubois on:

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-dubois-ahimsa/

Follow the Podcast:

-Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tenforce/

-Visit the Website: https://www.tenforce.com/

-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenForceEHSQ

-Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/do/podcast/the-pragmatic-safety-podcast/id6793006276

-Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033Ta0S3lA8IWFXIcj68sA?si=2aa99d9a94d94367

Hosted by TenForce COO Julia Dubois, this podcast bridges the gap between corporate policy and frontline execution. In this quick teaser episode, get a preview of the actionable, real-world strategies we’ll cover—from streamlining permit-to-work and lockout/tagout to driving frontline engagement and exploring the actual role of AI in EHSQ.

Hit subscribe right now so you never miss an episode. Let’s make safety actionable!