Under the leadership of the Cast Metals Coalition (CMC), the metalcasting industry participates in a highly successful energy efficiency effort--the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) "Industries of the Future" (IOF).

This government / industry program is a model partnership that has consistently delivered impressive results for the nation and our vital industry:

• Improved energy efficiency in the metalcasting process;
• Higher quality cast components with reduced emissions;
• Technical advances enhancing the competitive strength of our domestic industry;
• Education and job opportunities.

The quality and integrity of this program has been proven:

• Every federal dollar is matched by industry; individual firms receive no funding;
• Research proposals selected on merit and peer reviewed;
• Research conducted at over 20 universities and laboratories;
• University-based projects train metallurgy and engineering graduate students;
• Research results shared industry-wide, the only R&D source for many small shops.

Metalcasting is a small business industry with over 80 percent of U.S. facilities employing less than 100 people. As a result, most metalcasters cannot assume the high cost and risk associated with research and development. The Metalcasting IOF program allows our diverse industry to collaborate in the development and deployment of pre-competitive technologies that significantly improve melting efficiency and drive more innovative casting processes.

The U.S. metalcasting industry currently faces strong price competition from non-market economies. This price competition is fueled in part by government subsidies for capital equipment and energy costs. Given this reality, CMC believes that improving energy efficiency is essential to maintain global competitiveness. This program is a crucial component of that effort.

Since 1990, metalcasting research has been regarded as a sound national investment and has enjoyed strong bipartisan support of the Congress, overwhelming commitment of our industry and, until recently, the solid partnership of DOE.

AFS urges you to sign onto a joint letter urging restored funding for DOE Metalcasting Research to $4.0 million, the level approved by Congress over the last two years.

• DOE is attempting to cut funding for the all of the IOF programs regardless of merit. The CMC program stands on its own in delivering a strong return in its matching dollar for dollar program.
• Last year 30 Senators and Representatives signed the letter to maintain DOE funding at $4 million. Congress was successful in restoring CMC's funding. We need your help again!
• If Congress does not restore funding, the results for metalcasting will be profound. Research in progress would be abruptly discontinued and no new projects will be considered this year. In addition, no funds will be available for industry-wide technology transfer, the only source of R&D that most small firms can rely upon.

For more information, contact Shane Downey, American Foundry Society Washington, D.C. Office, 202/842-4864.