ReMA Submits Comments to the DOE Regarding 2026 Energy Critical Materials Assessment
(August 4, 2025 – Washington, DC) – On Friday, July 25th the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) submitted comments to the Department of Energy (DOE) in response to its Request for Information (RFI) regarding the 2026 Energy Critical Materials Assessment.
In the comments, ReMA shared that the recycled materials industry is vital to the U.S. manufacturing and material supply chains. For instance, more than 70 percent of steel produced domestically is made from recycled steel and 80 percent of aluminum produced domestically is made from recycled aluminum.
“ReMA and the recycled materials industry are ready to support and participate in the establishment of strong domestic supply chains for ECMs,” said ReMA’s Chief Scientist Dr. David Wagger. “As manufacturers increasingly look for more materials for production, it is critical that recycled materials be a key solution to securing the manufacturing supply chain.”
As part of the comments, ReMA suggested that recycled Energy Critical Materials (ECMs) can be used in the manufacturing process. ECMs include copper, aluminum, steel, etc. and come from natural resources but recyclable ECMs may be obtained from used or obsolete products from either commercial, institutional, and residential areas. The need for market-based movement of recycled materials in the U.S. and across borders is a critical pillar to the success of the recycled materials industry domestically and globally, and ultimately of the broader manufacturing economy.
The comments also noted that when restrictive policies and practices, such as tariffs, quotas, licensing requirements, or outright bans are enacted, they narrow the flow of free movement of recycled materials to countries and regions where they may be demanded.
For more information contact: Rachel Bookman, [email protected]
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The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and 40 countries around the globe. Based in Washington, D.C., ReMA provides advocacy, education, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycled materials play in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Visit recycledmaterials.org.