National Association of Manufacturers Outlines Policy Steps Needed to Boost AI-Powered Manufacturing

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has released a report that outlines steps it says policymakers must take to strengthen the United States’ energy and artificial intelligence (AI) dominance — including permitting reform.

The Manufacturing’s Roadmap to AI and Energy Dominance report lays out principles to advance American energy production and, in turn, unlock the full potential of AI. AI is transforming manufacturing, but without abundant, affordable energy and a resilient, reliable power grid, America risks falling behind, NAM said in a news release. According to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of NAM, 51 percent of manufacturers already use AI and 80 percent say it will be essential to grow or even maintain their business by 2030.

The four key policies NAM believes government officials must put in place to foster AI-powered manufacturing are:

• 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 build-out 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 modernize the grid 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.

“Manufacturing sits at the crossroads of America’s energy dominance, AI leadership and the strength of our power grid,” NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said. “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.”