Recognizing the Contributions of the Aluminum Industry

Floor Speech

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Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, two days prior to Earth Day, in my capacity as a member of the bipartisan Congressional Aluminum Caucus, to note the many ways in which the aluminum industry has contributed to the environmental goals we all share. The list of contributions the aluminum industry has made to protect our nation's air and land is long, but allow me to mention just two ways in which aluminum deserves recognition on Earth Day. Let's start with recycling. The aluminum industry's record as a contributor to driving up the nation's recycling rate is formidable. In the United States, 70 percent of all aluminum produced is recycled. And recycling that aluminum requires only 8 percent of the energy it took to make it the first time. Because the metal is infinitely recyclable, as well as durable, a remarkable 75 percent of all aluminum ever made is still in use. Recycled aluminum is so valuable that it more than pays for itself in the consumer recovery stream. We all benefit from clean air, and aluminum has a lot to be proud of here, too. As auto companies commit to increased fuel economy, many are realizing that using aluminum in the bodies of cars and trucks significantly increases performance because it's strong and light weight. This, in turn, means that drivers go further on a tank of gas, saving vast amounts of money over the life of a vehicle. It means that a lighter weight vehicle will be responsible for reduced greenhouse gases and increased fuel efficiency, which benefits everyone. And aluminum is increasingly being used in modern building construction, which in turn makes buildings more energy efficient. I am proud to have major aluminum plants in my district that generate $755.7 million in economic output. It creates great jobs, and is putting into commerce a material that is being used increasingly in all aspects of our lives from cars, planes and buildings and construction. On this day, when we take note of the great strides we have made in protecting the planet, but also realize the work ahead of us, I wanted to take special note of the contributions made by my friends in the aluminum industry. I applaud their efforts.

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