WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene, Senator Maria Cantwell and other lawmakers are demanding a full-court press by the federal government to build up domestic aluminum production.
But their call comes alongside news that a possible deal to restart the Intalco Aluminum Smelter at Cherry Point has fallen through.
The lawmakers say aluminum is critical to national security because of its many uses in military aircraft, vehicles and space launch systems.
It is also a major component of the nation’s civilian transportation, energy production and more.
They blame unfair international trade practices for undercutting domestic aluminum production and the industry’s good-paying jobs.
But an investment firm’s attempt to buy and restart the smelter near Ferndale primarily fell victim to electricity prices.
Blue Wolf Investment Partners had said that its ability to take over and operate Intalco hinged on an agreement for electricity from the federal Bonneville Power Administration.
BPA has announced that it cannot supply the facility with below-market-priced energy, sinking the deal to restart the facility and restore its 700 jobs.