Energy

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.

-NAM-

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.”

-NAM-

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.”

-NAM- 

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.

-NAM-

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.

-NAM-

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.”

The Trump administration is easing requirements for states’ construction of electric vehicles charging stations (POLITICO’s ENERGYWIRE, subscription).

What’s going on: “The new guidance from the Federal Highway Administration swept away Biden-era dictates that stations be built at certain intervals along highways, and removed goals both big, like uplifting disadvantaged communities, and small, like requiring plans for snow removal.”

• The changes also have the potential to get more than $2 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program funds to various projects starting in September, months after the administration halted the funding.

What it does: The new National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program rules—which grant states 30 days to submit new EV charging facility construction plans—“give states broader latitude in how they spend their portion of federal money … [which] are allocated to states by formula.”

• States can now spend their money on light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging, and unlike in the previous administration, which required having facilities every 50 miles, will be allowed to “determine for themselves when their highway charging efforts are done.”
• Plus, by urging states to use their money “at locations where the charging site host and the company operating the chargers are the same entity,” the new regulations also direct funding to existing truck stops and gas stations, which “favors existing traditional filling stations.”

The NAM says: “Manufacturers appreciate the Department of Transportation’s updates to the NEVI program requirements to provide greater flexibility to states and businesses to get this program up and running,” said NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.

The Department of Energy announced the start of its pilot program, which will partner with 11 advanced reactor projects, aiming to bolster the nuclear energy industry (E&E News, subscription).

Big goals: The program aims to get a minimum of three reactors deployed by July 4 of next year.

The background: “The announcement comes as the Trump administration looks to reinforce domestic supply chains and expand U.S. nuclear energy capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050.”

• “The June announcement of the program came shortly after Trump’s executive order calling for reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”

The participants: Companies involved in the program include advanced nuclear energy company Oklo—which is conducting two advanced reactor projects.

• The 10 companies in total will cover all the costs related to the test reactors, from design through construction all the way to decommissioning, according to the DOE.

The DOE says: “President Trump’s Reactor Pilot Program is a call to action,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. “These companies aim to all safely achieve criticality by Independence Day, and DOE will do everything we can to support their efforts.”

The NAM says: “Nuclear energy is a safe, emissions-free component of America’s energy dominance strategy. It’s also essential for meeting additional energy needs that have arisen with the growth in data centers and the use of AI,” said NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.

• “This program will give the nuclear energy industry an important boost—to the benefit of manufacturers and all Americans.”

One of the largest midstream energy firms in the world will build a 516-mile natural gas pipeline from West Texas to Arizona (POLITICO Pro’s ENERGYWIRE, subscription).

What’s going on: The planned Desert Southwest line by Energy Transfer —a company best known for its development of the Dakota Access pipeline in the Midwest—”is slated to run along existing pipeline routes, the company said last week, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2029.”

• The new line is necessary to serve “population growth, high-tech industry demand and data center expansion,” Energy Transfer said in a statement.
• The Houston, Texas-based company “has a network of 140,000 miles of pipelines and related infrastructure across 44 states” and is developing a liquefied natural gas export terminal in Louisiana.

Significant interest: Arizona utilities have already announced commitments to get gas from the pipeline, which is currently slated to be three-and-a-half feet in diameter but could increase to 4 feet given the significant interest in the endeavor.

• That increase would double the expected capacity of the pipeline.

Prioritizing manufacturers in the U.S.: The new pipeline will create 5,000 new jobs, and Energy Transfer said it would be “prioritizing U.S. steel pipe manufacturers” for the project.

• In addition, the gas from this project will help supply energy to key manufacturing and AI investments being made across the Phoenix metropolitan region—including in semiconductors, automobiles, aerospace, healthcare and biosciences.

The word from Arizona: “Arizona’s economy is growing and becoming more diversified than ever, including a significant increase in advanced manufacturing,” said Arizona Public Service President and CEO Ted Geisler.

• “This new pipeline represents a long-term commitment to reliability, resilience and affordability for customers and supports the unprecedented economic momentum that makes Arizona a great place to do business.”

The NAM says: “Desert Southwest is a prime example of what can be achieved when we embrace an all-of-the-above energy strategy—one that includes harnessing our abundant natural resources,” NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen said.

• “The pipeline will not only create jobs and business for U.S. manufacturers, it will also help reinforce the regional electrical grid at a critical time of explosive growth so more Americans can enjoy reliable baseload power.”