Aluminum Association releases a policy roadmap for a sustainable and competitive U.S. Aluminum Industry

On May 7, the Aluminum Association released a new policy roadmap called “The Aluminum Agenda” for a sustainable and competitive U.S. Aluminum Industry. The agenda includes principles and policy goals for a U.S. aluminium industry in the 21st century.  

The document prepared in consultation with the aluminium companies covering the entire value chain has listed down five key areas for the future growth and investment in the U.S. aluminium sector.

1. Trade: Negotiation with China to discuss aluminium overcapacity, elimination of trade restrictions for countries that abide by the trade rules and implementation of trade enforcement for others.
2. Environment: Development of common sense and science-based environmental regulation for air and water quality, chemical reporting and fuel economy standards for vehicles.
3. Infrastructure: Encourage public and private funding and enact reforms to enhance the use of sustainable materials to help build up the nation’s critical infrastructure.
4. Energy: Ensure access to reliable, affordable and efficient domestic energy sources.
5. Workforce: Promote policies to enable the recruitment of a skilled and diverse workforce and improve workplace health and safety.

“The aluminum industry is a real bright spot for U.S. manufacturing,” said Michelle O’Neill, senior vice president, global government affairs & sustainability at Alcoa and chair of the Aluminum Association.

“Despite significant global headwinds in recent years, the industry is investing and growing in the U.S. and implementing the Aluminum Agenda will help ensure that growth is sustainable for the long-term.”

The agenda also lists a number of short-term policy priorities to support the industry and the manufacturing sector including removal of 232 tariffs from market economy countries, promoting curbside recycling etc.

“What we’re highlighting with this policy roadmap is that while trade is critically important to the industry’s long-term health, it is not the only issue we face as we look out over the horizon. Continued growth and investment for the industry will require a far more comprehensive approach including a focus on energy, the environment, and infrastructure and workforce issues,” said Heidi Brock, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association.

The Aluminum Association will work to educate members of Congress and the administration on the roadmap in the coming weeks and months.