The Aluminum Association Applauds Formation Of The Bipartisan Congressional Aluminum Caucus

Members to Focus on Sustainability, Other Issues Surrounding $32 Billion U.S. Aluminum Industry

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Aluminum Association today commends Members of Congress for forming the bipartisan Congressional Aluminum Caucus. Under the leadership of Representatives Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Bill Owens (D-NY), the recently formed Caucus will educate policy makers and community leaders on economic and environmental issues relevant to the industry and their constituencies.

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The Congressional Aluminum Caucus will serve as an informal group of Members dedicated to elevating awareness of the U.S. aluminum industry and every aspect of the metal's production and use – from mining to manufacturing to recycling. The industry contributes $32 billion and nearly half-a-million jobs directly and indirectly to the U.S. economy.       

• Congressman Larry Bucshon: "As the second-most widely used metal on earth, aluminum is a critical part of the U.S. manufacturing base. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Congress to raise awareness of this important industry."
• Congresswoman Suzan DelBene: "The aluminum industry provides thousands of good jobs in Washington state and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. This bipartisan caucus will be an excellent way to educate members of Congress from across the country on the value and important role a vibrant aluminum industry can have in our nation's economy." 
• Congressman Bill Johnson: "Today, we are establishing an unprecedented, continuous conversation in Washington about the benefits of aluminum, and its vital role in our economy. The aluminum industry contributes nearly 8,000 direct and 22,000 indirect jobs in the state of Ohio alone. It has certainly proven it is a sector that deserves great attention from Congress."
• Congressman Bill Owens: "The Aluminum Caucus will be a great educational tool for my colleagues in Washington who want to learn more about this important sector of our economy. I encourage my colleagues in the House and Senate to join our Caucus and work together on issues facing this vital industry."

In addition to its economic impact, the aluminum industry in the United States is making significant strides to improve its environmental impact. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and can help drive energy efficiency due to its light-weight.  In fact, nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today because of its durability and infinite recyclability.

"The Congressional Aluminum Caucus co-sponsors are standing up for their constituencies to ensure there's a sensible legislative environment our industry can operate in," said Heidi Brock, president of the Aluminum Association. "The Association and our member companies applaud them on their leadership on this issue, and call on other Members of Congress to join the Caucus and support a strong U.S. aluminum industry."

The Aluminum Association, based in Arlington, Virginia, works globally to aggressively promote aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable automotive, packaging and construction material in today's market. The Association represents U.S. and foreign-based primary producers of aluminum, aluminum recyclers and producers of fabricated products, as well as industry suppliers. Member companies operate approximately 180 plants in the United States, with many conducting business worldwide. For more information visit www.Aluminum.org, on Twitter @AluminumNews or Facebook.com/AluminumAssociation.

Matt Meenan
703.358.2977
[email protected]

SOURCE The Aluminum Association