Energy

Washington, D.C. – America’s broken permitting system is costing manufacturers in America $7.9 billion each year, according to a new report released today by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for American Innovation—underscoring the urgent need for bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform to strengthen America’s economic and national security. The findings highlight how widespread and complex federal permitting requirements have become, with manufacturers most commonly citing Clean Water Act permits (required for 82.1% of projects) and Clean Air Act permits (required for 72.6% of projects)—the latter noted as the most burdensome approval process.

The new report, “America on Hold: How Permitting Delays Stall Manufacturing Progress,” draws from a recent joint survey of manufacturers conducted between Dec. 9, 2025, and Jan. 15, 2026, examining the types of projects companies are pursuing, the permits they most frequently require, where uncertainty and regulatory complexity create challenges and which reforms would have the greatest impact. The findings reveal a permitting system that hits manufacturers hardest where they operate most often: routine upgrades, expansions and ongoing operations.

“Manufacturers are investing across America, but permitting roadblocks are holding projects back,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “It takes the U.S. up to 80% longer than our peer nations to move projects forward. Manufacturers want ribbon cuttings, not red tape—that means modernizing our laws to streamline regulations and eliminate duplicative reviews and a regulatory regime to support timely permitting and give manufacturers the certainty to invest, build and create jobs.”

From the NAM’s survey to manufacturers:

• 50.8% say permitting concerns discourage investment in new or expanded capacity.
• 65.6% would increase U.S. investment if permitting timelines were shorter and more predictable.
• The most common permitted activities are facility expansions and equipment upgrades, not megaprojects.

Until now, consolidated research demonstrating the full economic impact of the federal permitting system on manufacturing investment has been limited—largely due to the sheer number of laws and regulations governing permits, as well as the absence of a centralized federal repository of permitting data. The NAM–FAI report addresses that gap by combining publicly available permitting data with original industry survey results to provide one of the most comprehensive views to date on the cost of permitting for manufacturers.

The full report can be read here.

Methodology:

Using external and survey data, the NAM–FAI findings estimate that over the past 10 years, the U.S. manufacturing sector has incurred an average annual permitting burden of $7.9 billion+. To calculate, unit costs are derived by multiplying the 10-year federal permit counts with the total out-of-pocket and indirect costs of the permitting process, as detailed in the bullets below.

• The federal count of applications and final permits obtained by manufacturers over the past 10 years, categorized by permit type (i.e., NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, etc.)
• Out-of-pocket costs that include application fees, consultants, legal expenses and more from project delays
• Delays created by indirect costs, such as carrying costs, lost revenue from pushing back project initiation, inventory and contract impacts

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Featured Quotes from Chairman Bruce Westerman and Manufacturing Leaders

“The federal permitting process is broken, and this report confirms what we already know: clarity and certainty must return to the process to jumpstart projects, end duplicative reviews, reform judicial review processes and boost project investments in the United States. My bipartisan SPEED Act will tackle these issues to let America build again, so we can remain a global leader across all industries, including manufacturing.” – House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.)

“Regulatory uncertainty is one of the most significant hurdles our customers face as they consider placing new equipment orders with Husco. Permitting delays and denials can derail projects that enhance our economy and provide family-sustaining jobs for workers. A comprehensive effort to streamline the permitting process would represent a significant step forward. Common-sense reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act are just one example of many that would help expedite new investment. We fully support NAM’s ongoing and important efforts in this area.” – Austin Ramirez, President and CEO of Husco and NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group Vice Chair

“At Nucor, permitting delays are not abstract—they directly affect our ability to invest, build, and create good paying manufacturing jobs in America. We have experienced firsthand how reviews under NEPA and related permitting requirements can add months to project timelines and significantly increase costs, even for projects with strong environmental performance and local support. Modernizing NEPA to provide clearer timelines, better interagency coordination, and a more predictable review process, including a greater role for states with appropriate federal oversight, would strengthen American manufacturing while maintaining robust environmental protections.”  – Ben Pickett, Executive Vice President of Business Services, Nucor Corporation

“Projects that strengthen our energy system can face years of unnecessary delays under the current NEPA framework. Uncertain timelines, duplicative reviews, overly expansive analyses, and lengthy litigation can stall or even cancel critical infrastructure. Modernizing NEPA is a critical step toward providing greater certainty for developers and communities so we can deliver the energy needed to support American jobs, strengthen supply chains, and keep energy affordable for families and businesses.” – Toby Z Rice, President and CEO, EQT

We were the first mining project covered under the federal government’s FAST-41 permitting program in 2024. From start to finish the process will take just over two years. We have seen the benefits that streamlining and coordinating federal efforts under NEPA provides to projects like Hermosa. When there is a collective will to support a project needed for national security, the resources are put in place to ensure the defined timeline milestones are met with the same, if not more, amount of rigor and efficiency. By responsibly modernizing NEPA in a bipartisan manner, more critical projects can move forward to support communities, provide jobs, and deliver for America” – Pat Risner, President, Hermosa Project, South32

“The recent NEPA reforms are solid first step towards modernizing the permitting process. However, there is much more we can do to remove the bureaucracy that is not providing value. We don’t have time to waste if our energy infrastructure is going to keep pace with the AI boom. If we can create more predictability in permitting, the results will include more stability, greater speed, and lower costs.” – Ryan Lindsey, Executive Vice President of Government Relations, CRH Americas

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Makes Final Stop in Phoenix, Arizona 

PHOENIX – The National Association of Manufacturers, official partner of America250, concluded its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour in Phoenix under the theme “Building for the Future.”  

After 10 days on a cross-country tour, manufacturing leaders delivered a final, urgent message: the time is now for Congress to pass robust infrastructure investments and commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform. 

“Arizona shows what happens when competitiveness leads,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “It didn’t happen by chance—it happened because this state has chosen to lead on taxes, workforce and a business climate. But even here, federal permitting delays threaten progress. If we’re serious about semiconductors, critical minerals and energy infrastructure, it’s time to build the next generation of robust infrastructure we need, and 2026 must be the year of permitting reform.” 

In Phoenix, the NAM partnered with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry for a full day of events highlighting the state’s leadership in industrial growth. The visit began with a roundtable discussion on permitting reform with business and community leaders, followed by tours of EMD Electronics—a trusted partner to the semiconductor industry—and Four Peaks Brewery, the largest and oldest craft brewery in Arizona. Together, the stops showcased the diverse reach of manufacturing in the state— from critical minerals and semiconductors to food and beverage production.  

“Arizona has proven that smart policy and regulatory clarity drive investment and growth. But at the federal level, permitting delays are slowing projects that matter to our economy and national security,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden. “If America wants to lead in advanced manufacturing, we need a system that is predictable, efficient, and built for today’s demands. We’re proud to partner with the NAM to advance practical reforms that strengthen U.S. competitiveness.” 

 “Arizona has become a premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and we’re proud to be part of that dynamic and growing ecosystem,” said Katherine Dei Cas, Executive Vice President, EMD Electronics, the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We continue to invest in our capabilities and our people while ensuring continued proximity to customers to enable the operational excellence required in advanced manufacturing. Strong collaboration among industry, community, and government partners is essential to sustaining this momentum and ensuring semiconductor innovation.” 

Spanning seven states—New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona—, the tour brought together manufacturing leaders, workers, educators, students and elected officials to highlight the policies and conditions needed for the United States to compete and win in a global economy, —focusing on innovation, tax policy, permitting reform, energy dominance, workforce and trade policy.  

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.953 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. 

2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour Stops in Houston, Texas

HOUSTON – The National Association of Manufacturers, official partner of America250, continued its 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour today in Houston, Texas, under the theme, “Powering the Future.” Throughout the day, leaders underscored how abundant, affordable energy and modern infrastructure is essential to a competitive manufacturing sector.

In Houston, the NAM partnered with the Greater Houston Partnership to highlight the region’s manufacturing strength, where nearly 1 million workers power a sector representing 7% of the Texas workforce. NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons, Executive Vice President Erin Streeter and other NAM leaders began the day at global energy technology leader Schneider Electric—an official tour sponsor alongside NTT DATA—for a visit to its newly opened 10,500 square foot Innovation Center, one of the world’s largest energy innovation hubs. The day concluded with a tour of Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal, demonstrating how modern trade infrastructure underpins domestic production and global leadership and the importance of the Port’s role as a global logistics hub to connect port infrastructure, manufacturing exports and supply chain resilience to national growth.

At Port Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal, leaders saw firsthand how world-class trade infrastructure fuels domestic production and reinforces America’s global competitiveness. As one of the nation’s most vital logistics gateways, the Port plays a critical role in connecting port infrastructure to manufacturing exports, strengthening supply chain resilience and driving national economic growth.

“Today’s tour stop was about powering the future—and there is no better place to have that conversation than Houston, the Energy Capital of the World,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Schneider Electric is a pioneer and a powerhouse for innovation and for the manufacturing sector. You cannot talk about the state of manufacturing in the United States without talking about the innovation and leadership right here at Schneider. And at the Port Houston’s Bayport Terminal, we saw why modern infrastructure is critical to moving American-made goods quickly and efficiently. If we want to lead the world in manufacturing, AI and advanced technologies, we need an all-of-the-above energy strategy that keeps prices affordable, strengthens our grid and accelerates permitting reform and we must invest in 21^st century infrastructure—from roads and bridges to ports, rail and waterways—so that manufacturers can make things right here and move them everywhere. When Washington delivers smart energy policy and modern infrastructure, we unlock the greatest manufacturing era in our nation’s history.”

“Hosting the NAM and supporting its U.S. tour reflects our shared commitment to advancing energy technology innovations in this country,” said Andre Marino, Schneider Electric Senior Vice President, Industrial Automation North America. “Houston is home to the global energy conversation, and our Innovation Center here reflects our commitment to bring together electrification, automation, and industrial intelligence to enable smarter, more secure systems for our partners in Texas, across the U.S., and throughout the world.”

“We are honored to join the National Association of Manufacturers and our regional partners in highlighting Houston’s pivotal role in America’s supply chain,” said Port Houston CEO Charlie Jenkins, “Our commitment to investing in resilient infrastructure ensures the Houston Ship Channel remains a gateway for innovation, job creation, and global trade. By working together, we not only strengthen the economic vitality of our nation, our great state of Texas, and our region, but also reinforce Houston’s place at the forefront of U.S. manufacturing and logistics.”

From Houston, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour heads west for its final stop— Phoenix, Arizona—on Friday, February 27, where leaders will focus on the urgent need to pass commonsense, comprehensive permitting reform. The tour made stops in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Dallas, Texas prior to today’s events in Houston. Throughout the tour, the NAM has been meeting with policymakers, manufacturers of all sizes, students and business leaders, advocating for the people and policies that will ensure the United States is the best place in the world to do business. To learn more about the tour and the NAM’s mission, visit https://nam.org/stateofmfg/.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

CLEVELAND – The National Association of Manufacturers today kicked off its annual NAM State of Manufacturing Tour, a cross-country sprint spotlighting the vital role that manufacturing plays in supporting the nation’s economy. On the first leg of the tour, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons and other leaders underscored the state’s industrial momentum while calling on our nation’s leaders to pursue a comprehensive manufacturing strategy—building on permanent, pro-growth tax reform manufacturers secured last summer.

“Innovation Built America. Manufacturing Wins the Future” is the theme of this year’s tour, and framed a series of events in Cleveland, bringing together industry leaders, students and policymakers to spotlight Ohio’s nearly 700,000 manufacturing employees—about 12% of the state’s workforce.

“There’s no better place to start a road tour than the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame,” said Timmons, an Ohio native, at the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he delivered his 13th NAM State of Manufacturing Address. “Like rock ‘n’ roll, manufacturing is everywhere. We are hitting the road to showcase the world-leading innovation happening across the country and how we make the next 250 years even greater. Manufacturers are ready to invest—and we need certainty, like the tax bill delivered last year. Permanent tax reform gave manufacturers the rocket fuel. Now we need clear skies. That’s energy dominance, permitting reform, trade certainty, investing in the manufacturing workforce and smart AI policy.

Timmons was joined by Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO and NAM Board Chair Blake Moret, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, EQT Corporation President and CEO and NAM board member Toby Z. Rice, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association President Ryan Augsburger and NAM Executive Vice President Erin Streeter. Following the address, Timmons and Moret hosted a student reception at the Hall of Fame, where they engaged with the next generation of creators. The tour then moved to the Rock Hall’s “Jam Garage” for a unique filming opportunity showcasing the intersection of culture and industry. The setting provided a compelling backdrop for discussions about the connection between manufacturing and rock ‘n’ roll—two distinctly American traditions that involve bold ideas, creative risk-taking embracing technological change and the ability to shape global culture.

“The innovation we’ve seen Ohio manufacturers embrace over time is exactly why this tour is so vital,” said Moret. “At Rockwell, we see every day how automation and AI are redefining what’s possible on the factory floor. By visiting places like Cleveland State University and seeing the talent being cultivated here, it’s clear that Ohio manufacturers are moving at the speed of business. Now, we must ensure the federal government keeps up with that pace.”

The afternoon featured an in-depth tour and lunch at EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub followed by a final stop at Cleveland State University to discuss the critical intersection of higher education and industrial workforce development.

“Ohio’s manufacturers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and having the national tour stop here in Cleveland underscores the importance of our mission,” said Augsburger. “We are proud to stand with the NAM to advocate for the policies that will keep our nearly 700,000 manufacturing workers at the forefront of global competition.”

From Cleveland, the 2026 NAM State of Manufacturing Tour will go on to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Charlotte, North Carolina; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Dallas and Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Throughout the tour, the NAM will continue meeting with policymakers, manufacturers of all sizes, students and business leaders, advocating for the people and policies that will ensure the United States is the best place in the world to do business. To learn more about the tour and the NAM’s mission, visit www.nam.org.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.95 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Following President Trump’s proclamation adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and semiconductors—two foundational inputs for manufacturing—National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s moves build on the president’s long-standing commitment to expanding manufacturing capacity in the United States and represent a meaningful step toward strengthening the critical mineral supply chains that underpin our economic and national security. We appreciate the administration for clearly recognizing that the United States’ lack of domestic processing capacity is a central vulnerability. Outdated permitting laws and procedures are constraining our ability to mine and process domestic resources, modernize infrastructure, advance research and development, shore up supply chains and enhance American competitiveness.

“Manufacturers depend on secure, sustainable supply chains for critical minerals to make everything from defense technology and energy transmission to transportation systems, automotive parts and vehicles and a wide array of advanced industrial and consumer products made here in America.

“Beyond their ubiquity in defense technology, industrial and consumer vehicles and electronics, semiconductors are also critical components in manufacturing machinery and equipment. The decision to work to secure access to critical semiconductor inputs used to build out U.S. supply chains—such as semiconductors used in automotive applications, factory robotics and industrial machinery—sends a clear signal to manufacturers and will encourage further domestic manufacturing investment.

“Last year, the NAM asked Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to pursue new, enforceable agreements that lock in preferential access to critical mineral inputs as we work to reduce overreliance on China and rebalance critical input sourcing. We are encouraged by the administration’s commitment to pursue these trade deals aggressively.

“Manufacturers believe that innovative critical mineral trade agreements present a powerful opportunity to secure preferential access with trusted allied partners that have complementary assets, production capabilities and expertise. These agreements can also be used to unlock beneficial investment terms to leverage co-financing and pooled capital arrangements as well as support long-term offtake agreements that strengthen supply chain certainty. By deepening strategic partnerships with our allies, the U.S. can reduce vulnerability to geopolitical risks and address unfair trading practices.

“We will continue to work with Congress and the administration to support a robust and competitive U.S. critical minerals industry—durable trade deals coupled with permitting reform to unlock domestic resources and processing—so manufacturers of all sizes have reliable access to the materials needed to produce innovative, next-generation products and to grow, compete and create jobs.”

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Washington, D.C. – Following recent developments in Venezuela, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“The National Association of Manufacturers has long monitored developments in Venezuela because of the profound impact that political instability, authoritarian governance and the erosion of the rule of law have had on manufacturers in the United States and broader U.S. and hemispheric economic interests.

“For years, the Maduro regime—and the Chávez regime before it—has dismantled democratic institutions, violated fundamental rights and undermined legal protections for investment. Manufacturers in the United States have been directly harmed through the expropriation and nationalization of U.S. assets without due process, driving away investment and destroying economic opportunity for the people of Venezuela.

“Manufacturers believe that respect for the rule of law, private property and democratic governance is essential to restoring stability and economic growth in Venezuela. A democratic path forward is critical to achieving that outcome.

“At this pivotal moment, we urge Congress to engage with the Administration on how recent events can serve as a catalyst for a constitutional, democratic transition that restores the rights of the Venezuelan people, respects lawful American investments and lays the foundation for renewed economic opportunity in Venezuela and throughout the Western Hemisphere.”

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org. 

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000 

Washington, D.C. – As the House considers critical permitting reform legislation before year’s end, manufacturers are urging House members to support commonsense reforms.

“The next two weeks in the House are going to be crucial to moving the needle on comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform,” said National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons. “In the spirit of the holiday season, we are calling for legislative action during this year-end work window to deliver a gift of a new, workable permitting system that will fuel America’s manufacturers. Over the next 12 days, the House is primed to tackle comprehensive permitting reform, which will boost American competitiveness and unlock greater investments in manufacturing in America.”

This week, manufacturers are urging House members to vote “yes” on the PERMIT Act. This legislation adopts the NAM’s key recommendations for modernizing the Clean Water Act—reforms that increase certainty for permittees, clarify the scope of the CWA and address bottlenecks that have delayed job-creating projects.

Manufacturers this week are also pressing for “yes” votes on the Improving Interagency Coordination for Pipeline Reviews Act, the ePermit Act and the Electric Supply Chain Act—all of which are critical to achieving manufacturers’ vision of energy and AI dominance.

As for next week, the House is planning to vote on the SPEED Act. This legislation is a cornerstone of Manufacturing’s Roadmap to AI and Energy Dominance, the NAM’s blueprint for securing America’s energy and AI leadership. By appropriately shortening environmental review timelines, limiting regulatory and legal uncertainty, expanding categorial exclusions, preventing duplicative reviews and reinforcing recent Supreme Court precedent on the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act, the SPEED Act will accelerate projects essential to meeting rising power demand and lowering energy costs.

Manufacturers also strongly back the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Environment Subcommittee action to advance key legislation to reform the Clean Air Act. From modernizing the New Source Review and National Ambient Air Quality Standards programs, to improving how the Environmental Protection Agency deals with wildfires and international emissions, these bills are integral to comprehensive permitting reform so manufacturers can get shovels in the ground quicker to expand investments and jobs.

“Congress has an opportunity over the next 12 days to demonstrate strong, bipartisan momentum on comprehensive permitting reform for America’s manufacturers. Manufacturers urge policymakers to seize the moment—pass the PERMIT Act and companion bills this week and the SPEED Act next week—and make it easier and more cost-efficient for manufacturers to get shovels in the ground on job-creating projects,” said Timmons.

Timmons added, “Permitting reform will strengthen manufacturing in America. To turn this holiday package into real progress for the country, the Senate must take up the mantle in the new year and advance comprehensive permitting reforms that will empower manufacturers across the country to compete, invest and grow.”

Background:

Manufacturers have been building the case for commonsense permitting reform as part of a comprehensive manufacturing strategy to unleash investment, strengthen our energy future and cement U.S. leadership in emerging technologies, including AI. Eighty percent of manufacturers say the length and complexity of the permitting process is harmful to increasing investment, 87% say they would expand operations, hire more workers or increase wages and benefits if permitting were streamlined, and 68% of manufacturers with permittable projects say they could expand more quickly with a modernized federal permitting system.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Following the Department of the Interior’s announcement today of a new offshore leasing program, National Association of Manufacturers Managing Vice President of Policy Charles Crain released the following statement:

“Manufacturers welcome the Department of the Interior’s plan to expand offshore oil and gas development. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is taking a critical step to unleash American energy dominance and drive down energy prices. Today’s action also underscores the need to advance streamlined, durable permitting reform that ensures new energy projects can move forward quickly while protecting the environment.”

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The National Association of Manufacturers today released Manufacturing’s Roadmap to AI and Energy Dominance, a blueprint outlining the steps policymakers must take to strengthen America’s energy and artificial intelligence dominance—including comprehensive permitting reform.

Manufacturers are leading the way—integrating AI into every part of their operations, from product design, to shop floor operations, to supply chain management. More than half of manufacturers (51%) already use AI, and 80% say it will be essential to grow or even maintain their business by 2030, according to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the NAM.

The roadmap lays out principles that will advance U.S. energy production and, in turn, unlock the full potential of AI. AI is transforming manufacturing—but without abundant, affordable energy and a resilient and reliable power grid, America risks falling behind. AI-powered modern manufacturing depends on an ambitious energy and innovation policy framework—which can be achieved in part by reforms to America’s broken permitting system.

“Manufacturing sits at the crossroads of America’s energy dominance, AI leadership and the strength of our power grid,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “If America wants to win the global race for AI, we must first win on energy. That means advancing the administration’s goals for energy dominance—through bipartisan, comprehensive permitting reform, modernized infrastructure and an all-of-the-above energy strategy that allows manufacturers to innovate, build and grow right here at home.”

AI-powered manufacturing depends on forward-looking energy and innovation policies. Policymakers must do the following:

• Reform America’s broken permitting process to get shovels in the ground faster—with fewer delays and less uncertainty. Eighty percent of manufacturers say that the length and complexity of the permitting process is harmful to increasing investment.
• Bolster American energy dominance. America’s energy demand is surging—and the pace isn’t slowing. Manufacturers need to be able to produce and use every energy source available to meet this critical moment. Ninety-four percent of manufacturers support permitting reforms around the buildout of energy generation, infrastructure and products.
• Ensure a reliable, resilient and affordable grid that can power manufacturing growth and data center operations. Eighty percent of manufacturers want the Trump administration to work with Congress to deliver comprehensive permitting reform legislation to increase energy generation and grid modernization to supply the energy needed to power both AI growth and traditional manufacturing.
• Strengthen American AI leadership by fostering innovation and preventing regulatory overreach. Eighty-seven percent of manufacturers say it is important for lawmakers to understand how manufacturers use AI.

Read the full roadmap here.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Manufacturers are hard at work on next-generation nuclear reactors and getting ready to scale up nuclear enrichment activities, but challenges lie in their way (POLITICO’s ENERGYWIRE).

What’s going on: Though it made sense at the time, the privatization of the United States Enrichment Corporation in the years following the Cold War (done due to “the anticipation that the U.S. would always have access to foreign enrichment supplies”) is now putting the American uranium enrichment market and reactor development at a disadvantage.

• This presents a problem given the U.S. ban on Russian uranium imports due to the Ukraine war.
• To shore up the American nuclear industry, the Energy Department “has started to pull startup nuclear companies into the uranium enrichment business.”
• Just this month, California-based General Matter announced that it would construct an enrichment facility in Kentucky on the site of a former U.S. government enrichment plant, saying it “can produce at a lower cost the type of enriched uranium sought out by developers of advanced nuclear reactors.”

A changing tide: In 2023, the Maryland-based Centrus Energy (U.S. Enrichment’s name since 2014), made its first batch of high-assay, low-enriched uranium, or HALEU, which is the fuel needed for next-generation nuclear reactor designs.

• “With Centrus’ inaugural batch and plans to expand their centrifuge cascade, the U.S. might yet break Russia’s de facto monopoly on advanced reactor fuel.”

Challenges: Scaling up Centrus’ Ohio enrichment site will necessitate billions in investment dollars, as well as “a [high] level of sustained political backing,” according to ENERGYWIRE.

• Another hurdle: the relatively weak market signals for HALEU, said former Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Dale Klein, who noted “that North America doesn’t yet have any commercial reactors operating that would use HALEU. That’s a problem for the dozen-plus entities planning to build [next-generation] reactors.”
• “It is a chicken and egg,” Klein told the news outlet. “The fuel enrichers are not going to make the fuel unless they know they’ve got a market.”

Moving forward: But Centrus is ready to get to work on enrichment, it told ENERGYWIRE.

• “Our facility is already licensed. We’ve secured $2 billion in customer contracts. As soon as federal funding is awarded, we’ll pair it with private dollars and get to work,” Centrus Vice President of Corporate Communications Dan Leistikow said.
• “Centrus offers a fully American solution: proven U.S. technology, built by American workers.”