[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING NOVEMBER 15 AS AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize, 
along with my colleague, Rep. Geoff Davis, the date of November 15 as 
America Recycles Day, an annual event intended to raise awareness and 
promote the social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling 
and purchasing products made from recycled materials.
  I also wish to highlight the automotive recycling industry, which 
reduces our need for already scarce landfill space, and makes important 
strides toward preserving precious natural resources. During the 
recycling process, more than 80 percent of an entire automobile by 
weight can be reused, remanufactured or recycled. This process saves an 
estimated 85 million barrels of oil, which would have otherwise been 
used in the manufacturing of new or replacement parts.
  In addition, the automotive recycling industry employs more than 
108,000 workers throughout the United States. A majority of the 
businesses in this industry are small, and in many cases are owned and 
operated by families.
  The Automotive Recycler's Association (ARA) is an international trade 
association which represents businesses in an industry devoted to the 
removal and reuse of still-viable automotive parts, and to the safe 
disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. Our Nation owes a great debt to 
the 4,500 automotive recycling facilities represented by the ARA, which 
help to recycle more than 11 million retired vehicles each year. ARA 
also serves as a regulatory body, utilizing a program that ensures each 
automotive recycling facility meets specific business, environmental, 
safety and licensing standards.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the annual occurrence of 
America Recycles Day, and in my commendation of the automotive 
recycling industry for all that it does to protect our environment.

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