"Missouri Aluminum Plant Closure Sparks Layoffs and Political Pressure"

The second-largest U.S. aluminum smelter in southeast Missouri, Magnitude 7 Metals Llc, will lay off most of its staff due to severely impaired operations caused by abnormally cold weather. The plant, which restarted in 2018, is seeking fresh capital to potentially restart in the future. The announcement adds to the challenges faced by the primary aluminum industry in the United States, with high electricity costs being a major obstacle. This development underscores the need for the Biden Administration to swiftly secure renewable affordable energy to support the industry and the economy.