There are a number of government initiatives and programs that can help foundries get help converting to new casting processes and earn recognition for implementing more environmentally friendly processes. For more information, click on the links to view the programs’ Web sites.

2002 Economic Stimulus Plan – As part of the economic stimulus package (H.R. 3090) passed into law in early 2002, businesses installing new equipment from 2001-2003 can depreciate 30 percent of the value in the first year, and small businesses can write off more expenses more quickly. This means that foundries wishing to convert to new processes or upgrade equipment can do so more affordably than they could before.

EPA’s Performance Track Program – Through this program, facilities that demonstrate a workable environmental management system that brings about environmental and worker safety improvements can get special recognition from EPA. Among other things, Performance Track participants can get a reduction in their required reporting frequency.

EPA’s Project XL – This pilot program allows businesses to test ways to decrease their environmental and human health effects. In return, EPA temporarily may relax siting, permitting, emissions and other rules to let the businesses conduct the tests.

DOE’s Industries of the Future Program – The Industries of the Future metalcasting program is designed to support the development and deployment of technologies that improve metalcasting processes by saving energy, reducing costs, and cutting pollution. The program runs cost-shared R&D projects with industry.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Foundry Society (AFS)
American Metalcasting Consortium (AMC)
Castings Development Centre
Casting Emission Reduction Program (CERP)
Casting Industry Suppliers Association (CISA)
Cast Metals Institute (CMI)
California Cast Metals Association (CCMA)
Diecasting Development Council
Ductile Iron Society (DIS)
Ductile Iron Marketing Group
Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF)
FIRST (Foundry Industry Recycling Starts Today)
Investment Casting Institute
Iron Casting Research Institute
Japanese Association of Casting Technology (JACT)
Non-Ferrous Founders' Society (NFFS)
North American Die Casting Association
Steel Founders' Society of America
Tooling and Manufacturing Association (TMA)
Texas Cast Metals Assoc.
University of Northern Iowa Metalcasting Center

PUBLICATIONS

Modern Casting Magazine
Foundry Management & Technology
Engineered Casting Solutions

EVENTS

Cast Expo
Casting Congress