Federal permitting delays can stall major manufacturing investments, increase project costs and slow the infrastructure upgrades needed to keep Ohio competitive.

Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA) President Ryan Augsburger and Lindsey Short, managing director of advocacy and energy services, joined U.S. Sens. Jon Husted and John Barrasso in Columbus this week for a roundtable focused on removing regulatory barriers to investment, accelerating critical infrastructure projects and protecting electricity customers from rising costs.

The discussion included the bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, which would establish clearer environmental review timelines, reduce permitting uncertainty and preserve environmental safeguards. The proposal also includes ratepayer protections similar to those in Husted’s Ratepayer Protection Act, which seeks to ensure large new data centers pay the electricity and infrastructure costs associated with their demand rather than shifting those expenses onto existing customers.

“Ohio manufacturers cannot afford to have major investments tied up in years of permitting uncertainty,” said Augsburger. “Senators Husted and Barrasso understand that regulatory delays have real consequences for jobs, infrastructure and competitiveness. We appreciate their leadership in advancing practical reforms that can help Ohio manufacturers invest, modernize and grow.”

Husted’s broader agenda also includes the New Source Review Permitting Act, which would clarify Clean Air Act requirements for facility upgrades and pollution control projects. With bipartisan permitting legislation under consideration in Washington, OMA is advocating reforms that make industrial investment more predictable while ensuring new electricity demand pays for new electricity demand. 10/13/2026