[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ALUMINUM INDUSTRY

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  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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