Your Action Needed on Climate Change Bill
On June 2, the U.S. Senate will begin debate on America's Climate Security Act (S. 2191 / S. 3036). This is the Lieberman-Warner Bill focused on the global reduction of carbon emissions. AFS is urging Congress to oppose America's Climate Security Act. We believe the U.S. should take a more balanced approach to the global reduction of carbon emissions--one that will mitigate the environmental impacts of global warming while maintaining a focus on the U.S. economy, competitiveness and innovation.

AFS needs you to take action on this critical issue. Your member of Congress is asking for your opinion on the bill, and we have made it easy for you to give it by sending a letter to your member asking them to oppose the Lieberman-Warner bill. Visit www.afsinc.org/climatechange to download a sample letter that just requires your information and that of your Congress person. Then, you can use the contact information we provide to fax it. This website also contains further background information on the climate change issue and the full details on the position AFS has taken on the issue. Your opposition is critical in helping congress understand the position of U.S. metalcasters, and how this bill, in its current form, is only going to further harm U.S. manufacturing.

For more information, contact Alicia Oman, AFS Washington Office, at 202/842-4864 or aoman@afsinc.org.

Summer IJMC Includes Research on Copper, Aluminum
The summer issue of the International Journal of Metalcasting (IJMC) is due for release in June. This fourth issue marks a full year of IJMC publication, and includes ground breaking research on copper and aluminum alloys.

The lead article features in the summer issue will highlight research by the Copper Development Association (CDA) on the anti-microbial properties of cast copper based alloys. Also included in the IJMC are two articles on the fluidity and filling of aluminum castings; the first discussing mold filling in lost foam casting of aluminum alloys and the second paper that will aid the understanding of fluidity. A fourth paper will review metalcasting research programs designed to reduce the U.S. transportation systems' 95% dependance on petroleum-based fuels.

Don't delay, subscribe now to receive the publication leading the transfer of research and technology to the global metalcasting industry. For more information on the IJMC, and to download a subscription form, visit www.metalcastingjournal.com or contact AFS customer service at 800/537-4237.

Participate in the CMI Chapter Course Competition
CMI is currently holding a competition for AFS Chapters that co-sponsor CMI courses. The chapter with the highest attendance from within their chapter area will win $1,000 and three complimentary course registration certificates. Second place will receive $500 and two course certificates and third place receives $250 and one course certificate. To qualify for the competition, the chapter must have at least 10 attendees. The contest will end in June, and entries must be submitted at that time.