Our Policy Positions
As both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles continue to evolve, high strength, low weight and infinitely recyclable aluminum is a dynamic material uniquely suited to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Working in partnership with our members, the Aluminum Transportation Group is committed to telling the industry’s story and sharing our policy priorities to ensure a bright future for this vital part of the nation’s supply chain, manufacturing capacity and defense industrial base.
Learn more here about the aluminum industry’s overall policy recommendations on trade, recycling, critical materials and investment. Specific to the auto sector, it’s important for legislators and regulators to consider how the growing use of aluminum as a material of choice benefits the nation:
Jobs and the Economy
Committed to creating and retaining advanced manufacturing jobs in the U.S., the aluminum industry invested more than $10 billion in domestic manufacturing since 2013. We employ more than 164,000 direct and 535,000 indirect workers, representing jobs in every state and the District of Columbia. Those workers earn nearly $14 billion in wages and benefits, and when all employment supported by the industry is considered, these jobs generate nearly $23 billion in taxes. The aluminum industry also supports more than $228 billion in economic output.
Critical Minerals and Energy Security
Today, aluminum is one of only 11 mineral commodities recognized by the U.S. government as essential to all aspects of the U.S. economy. For both internal combustion engine and electric vehicles, automakers increasing aluminum use for vehicle efficiency, safety and design innovations advances broader national priorities related to energy security, emissions reduction and economic stability.
Safety and Strength
Vehicle technologies and designs are evolving at a rapid pace, but safety remains paramount in all scenarios. Research, data and on-the-road examples confirm a vehicle’s size, not its weight, is the leading safety determinant. This is key since high strength, highly crash absorbent and low weight aluminum can make vehicles larger, safer and more efficient. Most aluminum-bodied vehicles crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration earned a perfect five-star safety rating (and all earned at least four stars).
Emissions and Energy Advantage
As Americans drive vehicles made lighter with aluminum, the nation benefits from increased fuel economy (reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil), extended EV range and reduced carbon emissions. Data confirms, when compared to heavier materials, aluminum offers the smallest total carbon footprint for both gas-powered and electric vehicles when all phases of the vehicle’s life cycle are considered.