Energy and Natural Resources
Manufacturers drive America’s energy dominance—utilizing every resource, innovating for greater efficiency and powering our nation’s growth. A strong manufacturing industry demands bold policies that unleash domestic energy, cut red tape and secure our resource future, keeping America competitive and secure.
Energy & Resources
Affordable, reliable energy is the foundation of American manufacturing.
Manufacturers are among the nation’s largest energy users. To build, compete and meet surging demand from AI and electrification, they need an all-of-the-above energy strategy, a modern permitting system and regulations grounded in sound science — not politics. The NAM is leading on all three.
Where the NAM stands
A pro-growth energy and regulatory agenda
Manufacturers need energy that is abundant, affordable and reliable — and a regulatory system that lets them build. These are the priorities the NAM is driving.
Energy Dominance
An all-of-the-above strategy — oil and natural gas, nuclear, LNG exports and renewables — to deliver the affordable, reliable power manufacturing runs on, and meet record electricity demand.
Permitting Reform
It takes too long to build in America. The NAM is driving comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform — modernizing NEPA, Clean Water Act Section 401 and FERC review — through efforts like the SPEED Act.
Right-Sized Regulation
Rules should reflect real-world conditions and sound science. The NAM is rebalancing costly regulations — from the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to WOTUS and vehicle standards — so manufacturers can invest and grow.
Smart Chemical Policy
A risk-based approach under TSCA that reflects actual exposure. The NAM engages on PFAS, formaldehyde, HFCs and the Risk Management Program to keep rules both workable and protective.
Critical Minerals
Secure, reliable supply chains for the minerals modern manufacturing depends on — through domestic mining and processing, a unified critical minerals list and strong partnerships with allies.
A Reliable, Affordable Grid
Meeting record electricity demand without driving up costs. The NAM advocates for grid investment, faster large-load interconnection and policies that protect ratepayers.
Progress for manufacturers
Momentum on energy and permitting
Manufacturers’ advocacy is reshaping the energy and regulatory landscape — clearing the way to build.
“The state of manufacturing is boundless — if policymakers will help clear the skies.” — Jay Timmons, NAM President & CEO
Source: NAM newsroom and Energy & Resources Policy updates, 2025–2026.
In action
Recent wins for manufacturers
From permitting to power plants, manufacturers’ engagement is delivering a more competitive regulatory environment.
- 2025The EPA moves to repeal the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, the Power Plant Rule and the 2009 Endangerment Finding — long-standing NAM priorities.
- November 2025NAM-backed permitting reform (the SPEED Act) clears the House Natural Resources Committee.
- 2025–2026USGS finalizes a 2025 Critical Minerals List and the House passes the NAM-backed Critical Minerals Consistency Act.
- 2026The EPA narrows WOTUS and reforms New Source Review air permitting, cutting delays for new manufacturing projects.
- May 2026FERC issues a new rule to streamline natural-gas pipeline permitting.
Help build a stronger energy future
Manufacturers’ voices are driving the push for energy dominance and a modern permitting system. Add yours.
