Aluminum Association makes policy recommendations to Biden administration

The Aluminum Association, Arlington, Virginia, has released a series of policy documents that it says lays out priorities that support a strong U.S. aluminum industry.

In its “Presidential Policy Brief: Recommendations for a Strong U.S. Aluminum Industry,” the association includes several recommendations for the Biden administration and Congress that it says would support a growing and vibrant U.S. aluminum sector. An addendum to the industry’s “Aluminum Agenda” released in 2019, the brief includes key policy goals in the areas of energy, environment, infrastructure, recycling and trade.

In remarks at an aluminum plant in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, during the presidential election campaign, President Biden noted how aluminum is a key part of future infrastructure development and in addressing climate change, noting that American aluminum could be used for developing more wind and solar and hydroelectric power and in electric vehicles (EVs) in the federal fleet.

The Aluminum Association says its brief further details how to make these ambitions a reality through public policy:

• Energy. As a lightweight, durable and infinitely recyclable material, aluminum is part of a suite of solutions for 21st century energy challenges. Both Congress, the Biden administration and state governments have an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through research and investment on production, recycling and use of aluminum.
• Environment. Aluminum producers have voluntarily worked to reduce their environmental impact and to cut greenhouse gas emissions from North American primary production by nearly half since 1991, work previously recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency. Smart climate change policy should work to reduce emissions at home while avoiding jobs “leakage” to overseas countries with more lax environmental enforcement. 
• Infrastructure. The U.S. aluminum industry strongly supports increased public and private infrastructure investment and incentives for operational efficiencies and sustainable material choices. The aluminum industry has a role to play in policies around electric grid modernization, EV infrastructure, public transportation building construction and recycling infrastructure revitalization.
• Recycling. While the aluminum used for cars, buildings and similar industrial applications is typically recycled at rates exceeding 90 percent, aluminum used in consumer applications is recycled at far lower rates, which is bad for the economy and the environment. The Aluminum Association supports policies like a recycling infrastructure fund and well-designed container deposit programs, also known as bottle bills, to increase consumer recycling.
• Trade. The single biggest threat to U.S. aluminum remains unfairly subsidized overcapacity in China. Strong, targeted trade enforcement is vital to the U.S. aluminum industry’s ability to compete on a market-based, level playing field. The Aluminum Association supports renewed cooperation with traditional trading partners and allies to address this perennial issue.    

“We congratulate President Biden and look forward to working with him and his team in the coming months and years,” says Tom Dobbins, president and CEO of the Aluminum Association. “During this challenging time for our nation, it is critically important that we all work together toward renewal and recovery. A strong and growing domestic aluminum industry can play a role in the American comeback story.”

Last year, the Aluminum Association released economic data showing largely steady jobs and economic impact for the aluminum industry in the United States over the last decade. In total, the U.S. aluminum industry supports nearly 660,000 total jobs (166,000 direct) and nearly $172 billion in total economic output ($70 billion direct). Modeling through the third quarter of 2020 suggested that COVID-19 driven economic disruptions likely reduced jobs and output about 11 percent, according to the association.

“Among the many lessons of the past year is just how essential American manufacturing is to a strong and healthy country,” Dobbins says. “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and do our part as aluminum producers, recyclers and fabricators. We look forward to working with policymakers to grow good-paying manufacturing jobs while building a more sustainable world.”