The American Foundry Society has long been the national voice for the $52 billion U.S. metalcasting industry. But as AFS leaders often remind members, much of the policy that shapes daily operations happens at the state level. That reality was underscored in a recent members-only webinar, where representatives from seven state associations shared their latest wins, challenges, and priorities. 

From California’s pioneering climate policies to Michigan’s energy battles, Pennsylvania’s workforce initiatives, and Texas’s infrastructure investments, states are actively shaping the future of the industry. What follows is a comprehensive look the practical effects of those actions for foundries nationwide.

California Metals Coalition

California’s foundries operate in one of the most complex regulatory environments in the country. James Simonelli, executive director of the California Metals Coalition, said the state has a “self-imposed mandate to be first” in climate and environmental policy. That drive has produced both opportunities and challenges for foundries.

State updates:

•             Manufacturing Sales Tax Exemption: The coalition successfully lobbied to extend a state-level exemption on manufacturing equipment, reducing costs by 4%–5% and encouraging investment in new technology.

•             Cap-and-Invest Program: Formerly known as cap-and-trade, the program requires facilities emitting more than 25,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually to purchase credits. While few foundries cross that threshold, those that do face costs approaching half a million dollars per year.

•             Buy Clean Act: California now requires public-sector bids to disclose greenhouse gas footprints, pushing foundries toward greater transparency and sustainable practices.

•             Air District Regulations: With 35 local air districts, compliance is complex. Rules targeting hexavalent chromium emissions have already led to enforcement actions against noncompliant facilities.

Simonelli emphasized that while California’s policies often set precedents, they also test the industry’s resilience. “Investment in equipment is important,” he noted, but so is staying competitive under rules that sometimes outpace science and customer realities.

Foundry Association of Michigan

Michigan’s foundry sector is deeply tied to the state’s manufacturing legacy. Bill Liebensee, representing the Foundry Association of Michigan (FAM), highlighted how shifting political dynamics have reshaped advocacy strategies.

State updates:

•             Budget Advocacy: FAM influenced negotiations that redirected $800 million from economic development subsidies to roads and schools, aligning with foundry priorities.

•             Energy Rate Intervention: By filing interventions in Public Service Commission cases, FAM secured favorable “metal melting rates” for foundries, limiting increases to 3.5% in some regions, though Detroit-area utilities are seeking hikes up to 8%.

•             Earned Sick Time Act Guidance: Michigan’s new law mandates 72 hours of sick time, even for shops with fewer than 10 employees. FAM has helped members navigate compliance.

•             Waste Stream Protection: Advocacy preserved bifurcated tipping fees, shielding high-volume, low-hazard foundry waste from steep disposal cost increases.

Lievense urged peers in other states to consider similar interventions with utility commissions. “It doesn’t cost much to file the paperwork,” he said, “but it raises the industry’s profile and gives us leverage in settlement conferences.”

Pennsylvania Foundry Association

Pennsylvania’s foundry industry is steeped in history, but its future depends on workforce development and legislative vigilance. Kevin Fuller, executive director of the Pennsylvania Foundry Association reported strong membership growth—now at 55 organizations—and highlighted the launch of a new apprenticeship program.

State updates:

•             Apprenticeship Program: In partnership with the Department of War, the association offers $4,000 per apprentice (up to six per foundry) to help address critical workforce needs.

•             Legislative Monitoring: With the state budget delayed more than 130 days, the association has kept close watch on negotiations, particularly around the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The Commonwealth Court struck down Pennsylvania’s participation, and the state Supreme Court is now weighing its validity.

•             Membership Expansion: Increased exposure through regional meetings has strengthened advocacy capacity.

Fuller noted that Pennsylvania’s political gridlock has slowed progress but also prevented harmful measures from advancing.

Minnesota — AFS Twin Cities Chapter

Minnesota no longer has a stand-alone state association, but the AFS Twin Cities Chapter has stepped in to fill the gap. Director Therese Bankowski reported on efforts to streamline permitting and balance environmental concerns with manufacturing realities.

State updates: 

•             Environmental Permitting Reform: Advocacy improved clarity and efficiency in the permitting process.

•             PFAS Regulation Exemption: The state created exemptions for products containing intentionally added PFAS materials, provided internal components do not contact skin or mouth.

•             Air Toxics Reporting: The chapter contributed to new reporting requirements, preparing foundries for annual compliance.

•             Stormwater Permit Guidance: The organization supported members facing enforcement challenges, helping them maintain compliance.

Minnesota’s proactive stance reflects a broader trend: Associations are not only reacting to regulations but shaping them to be workable for industry.

Wisconsin Cast Metals Association

Wisconsin’s foundries benefit from the Wisconsin Cast Metals Association’s (WCMA) focus on regulatory reform and operational flexibility. Bryant Esch, president outlined several legislative and regulatory wins.

State updates:

•             NR 439 Rule Revision: The association secured more reasonable reporting timelines and credible evidence standards for air permit compliance.

•             Landfill Code Updates: WCMA advocated for greater flexibility for foundries owning landfills.

•             Competitive Bidding: The group successfully resisted “right of first refusal” efforts, preserving competitive bidding for electrical projects.

•             Workers’ Compensation Reform: Wisconsin Cast Metals supported fee schedules for hospital charges, reducing employer costs.

These victories underscore Wisconsin’s emphasis on cost control and practical compliance, ensuring foundries remain competitive.

Ohio Cast Metals Association

Ohio’s manufacturing landscape is shaped by the Ohio Cast Metals Association’s focus on sustainability and financial support. During the webinar, Kevin Schmidt, executive director, highlighted several initiatives.

State updates:

•             House Bill 15: The association worked to get energy reform passed that requires data centers to guarantee load upfront, protecting manufacturers from subsidizing speculative infrastructure.

•             Beneficial Reuse Program: OCM established recycling pathways for spent foundry sand, reducing landfill costs.

•             Business Loan Support: The group also promoted a program through the State Treasurer’s office that buys down interest rates on loans for small manufacturers.

Texas Cast Metals Association

Texas’s vast industrial sector benefits from the Texas Cast Metals Association’s (TCMA) strategic advocacy. Executive Director Johnny Hill reported on legislative wins that address critical infrastructure and modernization.

State updates: 

•             Grid Reliability and Water Infra­structure: TCMA is monitoring bills in the state legislature to advocate for and inform members of the potential impacts. These include Senate Bill 6, which would establish standards for connecting large loads to the Texas grid and Senate Bill 7 to create a $2.5 billion statewide water fund.

•             Manufacturing Modernization Task Force: Another bill under consideration will be Senate Bill 2925, which will provide policy recommendations to the legislature. “They’re going to listen to us about manufacturing, which is really good,” Hill said.

•             Tax Relief: House Bill 9 would raise the personal property tax exemption for business equipment from $2,500 to $125,000.

Cross-State Themes: Shared Challenges, Collective Solutions

Several themes emerged across the reports:

•             Energy Reliability: From Michigan’s rate interventions to Texas’s grid legislation, associations are grappling with rising costs and reliability concerns, often linked to data center growth.

•             Environmental Compliance: Enforcement is intensifying nationwide, with stricter air, water, and waste regulations. Associations are actively advocating for reasonable rules and supporting members in compliance.

•             Workforce Development: Apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania and guidance on human resources laws in Michigan highlight the industry’s focus on building and sustaining talent pipelines.

“AFS maintains close working relationships with the state metalcasting associations and encourages our members to hold memberships in AFS as well as the state association,” said AFS CEO Doug Kurkul, who hosted the Members-Only Webinar. All of the state metalcasting associations participated except for the Indiana Cast Metals Association which was holding a major event the same day.”