A vice president with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) issued a statement supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's decision to modify its proposed energy-efficiency rules for gas stoves. Christopher Netram, NAM's managing vice president of policy, said customers and manufacturers will benefit.
“Manufacturers depend on regulatory clarity and certainty," Netram said in the release issued Aug. 1. "Throughout the year, the Department of Energy has proposed an unprecedented slew of regulations, and many were aimed at home appliances. The DOE is now taking steps toward a solution that is less likely to raise production costs significantly for manufacturers, and less likely to reduce the available features, performance and affordability for consumers."
NAM cites the results of its 2023 Second Quarter Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, conducted from May 18 to June 1, according to the release. More than 63% of respondents claim they spend more than 2,000 hours annually complying with federal regulations, with more than 17% reporting spending more than 10,000 hours on compliance.
The survey found 67% of manufacturers report being positive about their company's outlook, the lowest since Q3 2019, according to the release.
"It shows the consequences of regulations," NAM said in the release. "If the regulatory burden on manufacturers decreased, 65% of manufacturers would purchase more capital equipment, and more than 46% would increase compensation."
"Manufacturers remain committed to working with the DOE and all federal agencies to ensure that proposed rules and regulations are practical, feasible and environmentally sound without harming our ability to create well-paying jobs and investment in the United States," Netram said in the release.
NAM, the largest manufacturing association in the U.S., represents manufacturers in all industrial sectors and 50 states, according to the release. Approximately 13 million Americans work in manufacturing. The industry adds $2.91 trillion to the nation's economy annually and makes up 55% of research and development in the private sector.
