The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) has joined manufacturers across the country in urging the U.S. Senate to move quickly on a bipartisan permitting reform package aimed at making it easier to build and expand in the United States.

OMA signed onto a National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) letter supporting the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026, which would set clearer timelines for environmental reviews, narrow some projects subject to federal review and create more certainty around permitting decisions.

NAM estimates permitting delays cost manufacturers at least $8 billion every year. The coalition letter also notes that permitting a manufacturing facility in the United States takes 80% longer than in other free-market economies, tying up money that could otherwise support hiring, plant expansions and new investment.

“Manufacturers are competing for investment every day, and the permitting process cannot be a reason those investments go somewhere else,” said Ryan Augsburger, OMA president. “Ohio manufacturers need a system that protects our environment while giving companies the certainty and speed they need to build, expand and create jobs here.”

Manufacturers are ready to build. OMA is urging Congress to give them a permitting system that lets them get to work. 10/6/2026