Latest News, Regulatory Updates OSHA Alerts 15,000 Worksites Regarding High Injury Rates, Includes Metalcasting Facilities U.S. Senate Focusing on Series of Jobs Bills, Tax Breaks Could Benefit Metalcasting Facilities Action Alert: Vote Yes to Resolution Prohibiting EPA From Regulating GHG Emissions Ohio, Indiana Announce Availability of Energy Funds Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Click for All the Latest News & Regulatory Updates

Key Links Home Information Resources & Federal Website Links Directory of Lawmakers U.S. Senate U.S. House of Representatives Become Involved in Government Affairs AFS/NADCA Government Affairs Committee 2009 Metalcasting Industry Government Affairs Conference Congressional Plant Tours

Immediate Action Needed As Cap-and-Trade Bill Hits House Floor This Week

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE OPPOSITION LETTER TO ACES

Released June 23, 2009

The U.S. House of Representatives will begin debating a sweeping cap-and-trade bill—The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES, H.R. 2454)—later this week. A vote could occur on Saturday, June 27 before the week-long July 4 recess when members of U.S. Congress will return to their districts. AFS strongly opposed this bill when it was considered by the Energy of Commerce Committee in May, and we continue to do so now that it will be considered by the entire House of Representatives.

This bill could be devastating to the U.S. metalcasting industry by increasing energy costs, thus reducing its global competitiveness. Metalcasters would not be included in rebate provisions that are intended to protect energy and trade intensive industries from the immediate economic impact of the bill. Consequently, the industry could experience the full brutal blow of both increased carbon and energy costs with nothing to ease the financial burden. If ACES passes, it will cause massive economic harm in the middle of an economic crisis.

Your industry needs you to take action by faxing a letter by June 26 to your representative(s) to vote against this specific legislation. To do so:

• Download and complete the sample opposition letter we have provided below;
• Find your representative(s) fax number by clicking on the link U.S. House of Representatives (located under the Key Links heading on the left of this webpage);
• Fax the letter to your representative(s).

The metalcasting industry would like to be part of the solution to the issue at hand and not simply a silent bystander to a major vote such as this. For more information about ACES, contact Alicia Oman, AFS Washington Office, at 202/842-4864 or aoman@afsinc.org.

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE OPPOSITION LETTER TO ACES