Alcoa Policy Advocacy 2023 Disclosure
Updated February 8, 2024
Our Approach
Public policy issues are critical to our business. Alcoa Corporation (“Alcoa” or the “Company”) uses public policy engagement to advocate for positions that advance our strategic priorities, including directly and indirectly through our membership in industry associations and organizations.
Alcoa maintains policies and procedures governing our public policy and engagement process, including political contributions and lobbying activities, that are consistent with our Code of Conduct and Ethics and support continued compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Our political engagement is subject to oversight by the Company’s senior and executive management. Executive management provides periodic updates to the Safety, Sustainability and Public Issues Committee of the Alcoa Corporation Board of Directors, which has oversight responsibility of the Company’s political activities and matters of public policy and corporate citizenship, pursuant to its Charter.
Political Activities
Political Contributions
The Company’s Political Contributions Policy broadly prohibits the use of any Company funds, property, services or any other thing of value in support of or opposition to the campaigns of individuals seeking public office, any political party or committee, or other political cause or purpose. Except as otherwise permitted by the Company’s Political Contributions Policy, the Company and its directors, officers, employees, and contractors are prohibited from using Company funds, property, services, or any other thing of value for or in aid of, or in opposition to, (i) any political parties, campaign committees, or candidates for public office, or (ii) any committee, grass roots organization, or other group or organization whose principal purpose is to influence the outcome of a ballot initiative, referendum or other vote of the electorate on a public issue (collectively, “Political Contributions”).
Alcoa Corporation Employees’ Political Action Committee (PAC)
In addition, certain eligible employees of the Company contribute to the Alcoa Corporation Employees’ Political Action Committee (“PAC”). The PAC is a legal and transparent means to engage employees in the political process, build relationships with bi-partisan candidates who align with Alcoa on business issues, and express united interests with one voice. Alcoa does not contribute its corporate funds to the PAC. The PAC is governed by a board that consists of several of the eligible employees. With input and guidance from the Company’s senior management, the Board is responsible for the management of all PAC activities, including the approval of all PAC distributions.
As permitted by U.S. and state law, the PAC contributed approximately US$21,250 to the election campaigns of candidates for political office in 2023. Monthly reporting, by year, of the PAC’s contributions is available for review at the website of the U.S. Federal Election Commission (found here).
Lobbying Activities
Direct Lobbying
Alcoa engages with government and regulatory officials in the countries and regions in which we operate on key issues and emerging risks and opportunities. Depending on the jurisdiction, this engagement includes advocating on environmental, climate, energy, taxes, critical minerals, and trade issues. Our public policy advocacy efforts follow applicable laws in each jurisdiction, and we report on those efforts and their expenses as required by law. For example:
- In the United States, the Company discloses its U.S. federal, state and local lobbying activity and expenditures as required by law. Each quarter Alcoa files form LD-2 to report its federal lobbying expenses to the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate.
- In Canada, Alcoa reports to the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying.
- In Europe, Alcoa reports to the EU Transparency Register.
Alcoa maintains a procedure to identify and screen potential lobbyists. All potential third-party lobbyists are reviewed through the Company’s rigorous anti-corruption intermediary process, and strict accounting and compliance procedures facilitate compliance with applicable registration and reporting obligations.
Grass roots Lobbying
Grass roots lobbying refers to attempts to influence legislation by affecting the opinion of the public and encouraging the audience to take action with respect to legislation. As a general matter, Alcoa does not engage in grass roots lobbying.
Industry Associations
Alcoa belongs to several industry associations around the world in support of our strategic priorities. These associations play an important role in the aluminum industry and provide the Company opportunities to engage in the legislative and regulatory process and influence matters that impact the industry.
We actively participate in various trade associations and industry-based organizations to understand and manage risks associated with changing government policies and legal landscapes. Below are the top ten industry associations of which the Company is member by membership dues for 2023.
| Industry Associations | Jurisdiction | Rationale | 2023 Total Membership Dues, USD* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Association of Canada | Canada | Brings together Canada’s three primary aluminum producers (Alcoa, Aluminerie Alouette, and Rio Tinto). The organization represents the industry to the general public, public authorities, aluminum users, and key environmental and economic stakeholders. | $558,000 |
| Western Australia Chamber of Minerals and Energy | Australia | CMEWA is the representative body of the resources sector in Western Australia. The organization works on policy issues. They support the competitiveness of the resources sector in WA and allow the industry to speak with a unified voice. Key priorities include research activities, occupational health and safety, education and training, environment, exploration, Indigenous affairs, the economy, infrastructure, tax, and workforce development. | $430,000 |
| US Aluminum Association | U.S. | The Association represents the aluminum value chain in the US, as well as suppliers to the industry- this segment includes almost 70% of all aluminum products shipped in North America. The Association works to support a growing and competitive U.S. aluminum industry, develop standards, and conduct business intelligence and sustainability research geared towards important stakeholders. |
$396,000 |
| Brazil Aluminum Association (ABAL) | Brazil | ABAL provides a common forum to discuss relevant topics to the industry, including primary and downstream users. The goal of the organization is to increase the representation and communication of key industry positions. | $396,000 |
| International Aluminium Institute (IAI) | International | IAI membership is comprised of global bauxite, alumina, and aluminum companies from all of the major production regions of the world. IAI is responsible for gathering industry data to generate relevant insights and to inform the public. The purpose of the organization is to promote the sustainable development of the aluminum industry and to increase demand for aluminum products by raising awareness of their unique and valuable properties. | $284,000 |
| Brazilian Association for Self-Energy Producers (ABIAPE) | Brazil | ABIAPE is focused on promoting the interests of energy electricity self-producers. ABIAPE works to increase the competitiveness, social perception and supply security of energy generation in Brazil. | $243,000 |
| European Aluminium Association | Europe | European Aluminium represents Europe’s metals value chain. Membership is comprised of primary aluminum producers, downstream manufacturers of extruded, rolled, and cast aluminum, producers of recycled aluminum and national aluminum associations. Key workstreams include policy work, especially related to climate change, the energy system and decarbonization. The organization also conducts research of relevance to the industry and works on standards and lifecycle assessments. | $201,000 |
| International Council on Metals and Mining (ICMM) | International | ICMM is a CEO-led leadership organization with the goal of improving sustainable development across the mining and metals industry. The mission of ICMM is to create a safe, just, and sustainable world with responsibly produced metals and minerals. | $199,000 |
| Australian Aluminium Council | Australia | This organization represents the Australian aluminum industry at the national level. The council aims to increase understanding of the aluminum industry in Australia and beyond. The organization also encourages the growth of the industry and acts as the focal point on issues such as climate change, energy, trade, health and the environment. Through its technical group, the Council develops and maintains material specifications, standards, and other technical data. | $183,000 |
| Icelandic Aluminum Association (SAMAL) | Iceland | SAMAL was founded by Rio Tinto Iceland, Norðurál and Alcoa Fjarðarál. SAMAL as an organization is a member of European Aluminium and World Aluminium. The organization promotes the development of the Icelandic aluminum industry. They educate and facilitate information around the industry. Members of SAMAL are also required to join the Federation of Icelandic Industries. | $133,000 |
*Note: some amounts may vary due to exchange rates
Alcoa participates in industry associations where membership provides value to our business and key stakeholders. Each association is different, however Alcoa values:
- Opportunities to understand a range of views on issues affecting our industry
- Engagement opportunities for employees or customers across the industry
- Sharing best practice and technical insights
- Providing input to the development of industry standards
- Sharing the Company’s position and perspectives
- Opportunities to improve the operating environment/context
Our engagement with the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), European Aluminium Association, Brazilian Aluminum Association, Australian Aluminium Council, Aluminium Association of Canada, and the Aluminum Association in the United States furthers the overarching goal to implement the Paris Agreement’s goals and objectives. Additionally, we actively participate in relevant International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) and Aluminium Stewardship Initiatives (ASI) climate-related discussions.
We recognize that not all industry associations’ views may be fully aligned with the Alcoa’s views. As such, the Company periodically evaluates our industry association memberships and policy alignment.
Where significant differences in policy positions arise, we may provide greater clarity on our own positions and work to share our position in the association. If differences remain significant, Alcoa will assess the value of the Company’s in the association.