The Aluminum Association has released a series of policy priorities, including several green initiatives, that it would like President Joe Biden and the Congress to consider in support of the US aluminum industry, the association said Jan. 22.
"It is critically important that we all work together toward renewal and recovery during this challenging time for our nation," Aluminum Association CEO Tom Dobbins said in a newsletter. "A strong and growing domestic aluminum industry can play a role in the American comeback story."
In its policy recommendation brief, the Aluminum Association said investment in infrastructure projects with incentives for "sustainable material choices" such as aluminum would benefit both the domestic industry and clean energy goals.
"As a lightweight, durable and infinitely recyclable material, aluminum is part of a suite of solutions for 21st century energy challenges," the association said. "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."
Key infrastructure areas include electric grid modernization, electric vehicle infrastructure, public transportation, building and recycling programs.
Though aluminum is generally recycled from industrial applications at high rates, consumer-level aluminum recycling remains relatively low, the Aluminum Association added.
"Aluminum used in consumer applications is recycled at far lower rates, which is bad for the economy and the environment," the association said, adding that it supports policies such as a recycling infrastructure fund and container deposit programs to increase consumer recycling.
Regarding international trade, the Aluminum Association said it recommended targeted trade enforcement against subsidized overcapacity in China and renewed cooperation with traditional trading partners.
The US industry group said it also advocates for a "smart" climate change policy that reduces emissions in the US while avoiding job loss to other countries with weaker environmental regulations.
