Metals Initiative Re-Authorization Signed by President Bush

A key objective of the 2008 AISI Public Policy Agenda was realized on May 8 when the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1998 re-authorization, also known as the Metals Initiative, was signed into law by President Bush. The bill authorizes $12 million per year for the next five years to fund advanced metals (steel) research that would lead to more energy-efficient and environmentally-sound manufacturing techniques.

The new legislation, introduced by Rep. Daniel Lipinksi (D-IL), provides for a 70/30 cost-sharing (70 by Department of Energy) for bench and pilot-scale work, making steel industry dollars go farther than the typical 50/50 arrangement. Additionally, it adds research into CO₂ mitigation technologies to the list of research tasks that the Department of Energy may undertake. The legislation will also provide for industry ownership of the developed technology, which is important in getting developed technology to the plant floor as quickly as possible. For more information, contact Chip Foley.