H.R. 7992: Counting Aluminum Net Surplus Act of 2026

The "Counting Aluminum Net Surplus Act of 2026" (CANS Act of 2026) is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of aluminum recycling in the United States. The main provisions of the bill are summarized as follows:

Aluminum Recycling Study

The bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a continuous study focused on aluminum waste management. This includes:

• Assessing the amount of aluminum that is disposed of in landfills.

Reporting Requirements

Every three years, beginning three years after the bill's enactment, the Secretary, in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is required to submit a report to various Congressional committees. This report will include the following key information:

• An estimate of the total annual aluminum waste disposed of in landfills and the markets that use this aluminum.
• A breakdown of aluminum waste disposal by industrial sectors, including specific data regarding the automotive industry.
• An estimation of aluminum exports, particularly to foreign entities considered 'of concern'.
• Recommendations for improved technologies for collecting and sorting aluminum to better integrate it into the supply chain.
• Policy suggestions aimed at:
• Redirecting aluminum from landfills.
• Keeping domestic aluminum scrap in the national supply chain instead of exporting it.
• Analyzing how enhanced domestic aluminum recycling efforts can reduce reliance on foreign sources for aluminum and bolster U.S. manufacturing capabilities.

Definitions

The bill also provides definitions for key terms to clarify its provisions:

• Aluminum Scrap: Defined as scrap primarily composed of aluminum.
• Foreign Entity of Concern: Defined in accordance with existing legal definitions found in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
• Secretary: Referring specifically to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey.

Overall Aim

The overarching goal of the bill is to improve the recycling rates of aluminum in the United States, ensuring that more of this material is reused rather than discarded. By doing so, it seeks to strengthen the domestic aluminum market, enhance sustainability, and promote better resource management practices.

Relevant Companies

• AA - Alcoa Corporation: As a major player in the aluminum industry, Alcoa might be affected by changes in domestic recycling policies and market demand for aluminum products derived from recycled material.
• RYI - Ryerson Holding Corporation: This company processes aluminum products and may see shifts in supply chains based on the outcomes of increased recycling efforts and domestic sourcing of aluminum.