The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has unveiled a new blueprint titled "Manufacturing’s Roadmap to AI and Energy Dominance." This document outlines necessary steps for policymakers to enhance the United States' leadership in energy and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for comprehensive permitting reform.
According to the Manufacturing Leadership Council, which is NAM's digital transformation division, over half of manufacturers currently utilize AI. By 2030, 80% believe it will be crucial for business growth or maintenance. The roadmap suggests that U.S. energy production advancements are vital to unlocking AI's full potential. It warns that without sufficient energy resources and a robust power grid, the nation could lag behind in manufacturing innovation.
NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said, "Manufacturing sits at the crossroads of America’s energy dominance, AI leadership and the strength of our power grid." He emphasized that achieving global AI leadership requires first securing energy dominance through bipartisan permitting reform and modernized infrastructure.
The roadmap calls for several actions from policymakers: reforming the permitting process to reduce delays; supporting American energy dominance as demand rises; ensuring a reliable power grid; and fostering AI innovation while avoiding excessive regulation. The NAM reports that 80% of manufacturers find the current permitting process detrimental to investment growth, while 94% support reforms related to energy infrastructure development.
Timmons highlighted the importance of cooperation between Congress and the administration in delivering legislation that enhances energy generation and grid modernization. Additionally, 87% of manufacturers stress the need for lawmakers to understand AI applications within manufacturing.
For further details on NAM's initiatives or updates, visit their website at www.nam.org.
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