New NAM Roadmap Ties America’s AI, Energy Future to Urgent Need for Permitting Reform

The National Association of Manufacturers 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.

For more information, visit www.nam.org. To read the full roadmap, visit https://nam.org/wp-content/uploads/securepdfs/2025/10/NAM-AI-and-Energy-Booklet-2025-digital-.pdf.