Minutes
MEETING OF THE ALUMINUM ASSOCIATION
GOVERNMENT & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2017
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
1400 CRYSTAL DRIVE, SUITE 430
ARLINGTON, VA
In accordance with appropriate notification, on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 3:00 PM ET, a meeting of the Aluminum Association’s Government & International Affairs Committee was held at the Association’s offices in Arlington, Virginia.
PARTICIPANTS
Mike Belwood, Chair Arconic
Fiona Bell Novelis
Delphine Dahan Kocher Constellium
Sonya Elam Harden Alcoa
GUESTS
Rich Goodstein Goodstein & Associates
Bob Harris Nutter and Harris
Jack Nutter Nutter and Harris
STAFF
Joe Quinn, Vice President, Public Affairs
Lauren Wilk, Vice President, Policy and International Trade
Matt Meenan, Senior Director of Public Affairs
Curt Wells, Director, Regulatory Affairs
COUNSEL
Lee Simowitz Baker & Hostetler LLP
CALL TO ORDER AND ANTITRUST POLICY
Chair Mike Belwood called the meeting to order at 3:04 PM. Mr. Wells gave a safety briefing. Mr. Simowitz reviewed the Association’s antitrust compliance policy.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
By motion made, seconded, and carried, the minutes of the Committee’s meeting on October 3, 2017 were approved.
AUTO ADVOCACY
Mr. Meenan reviewed recent rounds of meetings in California involving representatives of ATG and the Association, the California Air Resources Board, state government and NGOs, including an assessment of the extent of the potential for alignment between CARB and Federal vehicle emissions standards. There was a discussion of the potential role of aluminum in the context of California’s electrification goals for vehicles. Mr. Meenan noted that meetings have been scheduled between ATG and environmental NGOs, and also between ATG and OMB staff and with the Auto Alliance. Mr. Harris and Mr. Nutter reviewed legislative proposals for harmonizing federal and state vehicle emissions standards. Mr. Quinn reviewed a proposal that the Association join the Coalition on Light Vehicle Emissions, which he said would come at no cost. He said that the group’s principles are reasonably aligned with the Association’s. Mr. Belwood said that the sense of the group is interest in the proposal, but with a desire to know who is and is not participating, and to learn what customer reactions would be to the Association’s joining.
REGULATORY UPDATE
Mr. Wells reported that he will review comments submitted by other organizations in connection with the CAFE Midterm Review. He said that the Association has submitted water quality comments to EPA, and that the Heavy Truck Work Group is addressing a variety of issues with EPA, including emission and fuel efficiency standards, GHG emissions and the inclusion or exclusion of glider kits.
TRADE ADVOCACY
Ms. Wilk reported on NAFTA and other trade issues, including NAFTA automotive rules and rules of origin. She reviewed pending antidumping and countervailing duty cases involving the Association, including the common alloy sheet case self-initiated by the Department of Commerce. She reviewed pending legislation affecting trade, including legislation addressing potential changes to the CFIUS process. Mr. Belwood requested that the legislation be monitored in case the Association should have an interest in a specific situation.
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Mr. Quinn reviewed the Committee’s initial draft 2018 plan which was included in the meeting materials, whose elements included—
- Maintaining Hill relationships;
- Mobilizing the House Aluminum Caucus;
- Establishing a Senate Aluminum Caucus;
- Strengthening agency relationships; and
- Growing the Aluminum PAC.
The Committee discussed potential new initiatives for 2018.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Quinn reviewed proposed dates for Committee meetings in 2018.
There being no further old or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Joe Quinn
Staff Executive
| The Aluminum Association and the GAC represents the industry across the whole of North America
The Government Affairs Committee includes industry lawyers and lobbyists, as well as leading primary and secondary producers, all of whom provide input for establishing, directing, and guiding, the Association’s Policies and initiatives, and positions, including in relation to interaction with the Trump Administration and the U.S. Government. And the Association represents its members from across all North America; the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Wadih Kuri, President and CEO said today “As a Member of the Aluminum Association’s Government Affairs Committee, ABC has full access to ongoing dialogue and is able to provide input as well.
We are committed to supporting the Committee’s hard work on behalf of the industry, and thank Heidi Brock, President, and Joe Quinn, Head of the Committee, and all the experienced and dedicated staff working hard on our, and the industry’s, behalf. Thank You” |
