Now more than ever, policy issues have major implications for metalcasters’ operations and profitability. Foundry and supplier representatives will be converging on Washington, D.C. June 7-8 for the AFS Government Affairs Fly-In. Participants will gain the insight their company needs on Day 1 and team up to advocate sound policies on Day 2!

Some foundries are sending as many as four participants, as the second and each additional participant will receive half-off the registration price. Highlights of the two-day event, based at the Hyatt Regency Washington at Capitol Hill, are as follows:

Elections Preview:  A national political expert will walk us through the key Senate and House races, the likely outcomes, and what they mean for business!

Buy America: Attendees will join AFS in pressing for strong Buy America provisions for infrastructure investment and other projects using taxpayer funding.

Supply Chain Challenges: An expert speaker will brief us on AFS-backed bills to reform ocean shipping, address truck-driver concerns, and other supply-chain challenges. 

Environmental Justice and Enforcement:  What is this emerging issue about? Why could it have tens of thousands of dollars of implications for your company? Attend the Fly-In to learn more.

Critical Minerals and Materials: Lithium, cobalt, graphite—these and other materials are needed for batteries, EVs, wind turbines, and solar panels. A senior Administration official will discuss this issue.

Energy Efficiency, Decarbonization, and Waste Reduction: Gain insight into DOE’s plans for these topics and the Better Plants and Better Climate Change programs, and how to share best practices. 

What’s Really Happening in Congress: We’ll be joined by a member of the U.S. House to get an inside look at what’s really happening on Capitol Hill.

Honoring Metalcasters’ Supporters: AFS will be presenting awards to certain supportive lawmakers at a reception at the prestigious Capitol Hill Club!

One need not be a member of AFS to participate. Registration is open at www.afsinc.org. 
AFS maintains a robust presence in the nation’s capital. Christian Richter and Jeff Hannapel represent AFS on all matters before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Stephanie Salmon represents AFS before Congress and other federal agencies. We also coordinate closely with the various state metalcasting advocacy groups.

In one recent victory, AFS teamed up with other associations to gain inclusion of strong Buy America provisions in the 2021 infrastructure investment bill. More than seven of every 10 foundries tell us they will see increased business thanks to that legislation.

In an earlier major victory, OSHA agreed that foundries could continue to use existing non-HEPA sweepers to comply with the silica regulation. OSHA cited AFS-sponsored research to support the finding. At an average cost of $35,000 per sweeper, the AFS victory saved the foundry industry millions of dollars. How much did your foundry save?

We welcome and encourage your participation in AFS government affairs efforts. To learn more or get involved, contact me at dkurkul@afsinc.org or Stephanie Salmon at ssalmon@afsinc.org.