Copper Development Association Launches Copper Advocates Program to Strengthen State and Local Engagement

The nationwide network offers a simple way to stay informed and to support state and local copper-related advocacy when issues arise.

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Copper Development Association (CDA) today announced the launch of the Copper Advocates, a nonpartisan nationwide network for individuals, public officials, organizations, and companies that recognize copper's importance to the U.S. economy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. There is no cost to participate, and the network is open to anyone interested in supporting copper.

Copper Advocates will receive updates on policy developments, industry issues, and copper's economic impact, along with opportunities to lend their voice when relevant advocacy needs arise. Those opportunities may include signing letters and contacting elected officials, sharing perspectives with policymakers, or supporting other actions that communicate copper's value to U.S. communities. Participation in each specific advocacy effort is voluntary.

"Copper supports jobs, businesses, and communities across the country, and many of the policies that influence its future are shaped at the state and local level," says Adam Estelle, president and CEO of the Copper Development Association.

"Becoming a Copper Advocate gives people and organizations a straightforward way to stay informed and lend their voice when it matters. We want Copper Advocates to reflect the broad range of people, industries, and communities that depend on copper every day."

The launch comes as copper continues to make a significant contribution to the U.S. economy. The domestic copper industry generates $254 billion in annual economic output, supports more than 576,000 jobs nationwide, and contributes $22.9 billion annually in federal, state, and local tax revenues.

Through CDA's Economic Impact of Copper resource, users can also explore copper's contributions within individual states and local areas. The data illustrates how the industry's economic influence extends across manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, service providers, and communities throughout the country.

Copper Advocates will receive at least two updates each year covering advocacy, policy developments, and issues affecting the U.S. copper industry, with additional communications when emerging issues call for timely action. Advocates will also have access to economic data, industry insights, fact sheets, reports, and other educational resources that provide context for copper-related policy discussions.

The network is open to industry professionals, skilled tradespeople, engineers, contractors, employees, and members of the public; elected officials, policymakers, and other public-sector leaders; academic and nonprofit organizations; and companies across the copper value chain and the wider economy.

To learn more or sign up to become a Copper Advocate, visit http://copper.org/policy/copperadvocates/

A new Copper Advocates launch video introduces the initiative and explains why participation from people and organizations across the country is important to building a stronger collective voice for copper.

https://youtu.be/tut5eGwN3Oc?si=ZI5ebw0-bvGJsulv

ABOUT CDA

The mission of the Copper Development Association (CDA) is to bring the value of copper and its alloys to society. CDA is a U.S.-based not-for-profit association of the domestic copper industry, bringing together North American copper and copper alloy semis fabricators and the global copper mining and production industries. CDA is committed to promoting the proper use of copper materials in sustainable, efficient applications for business, industry, and the home.

MEDIA CONTACT

Katie Walker
GreenHouse Digital + PR
T: 616.795.3391
E: [email protected]

Madelyn Young
GreenHouse Digital + PR
T: 616.795.3391
E: [email protected] 

SOURCE Copper Development Association