Manufacturing Again Tops Presidential Campaign Agenda

08/23/12 -  National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons issued this statement after Governor Romney released his comprehensive energy plan:

“Manufacturing continues to occupy center stage in the presidential campaign discussion. In releasing his plan for affordable energy for consumers, Governor Romney recognizes that manufacturers consume one-third of our nation’s energy supply. For U.S. manufacturers to be able to compete successfully in the world marketplace, they need access to a consistent supply of affordable energy. To achieve that, a true ‘all-of-the-above’ approach is necessary.

The Romney plan would open up previously restricted areas for exploration both on and offshore, streamline the permitting process, rein in the excesses of regulators, immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline, support reliable coal electricity generation and put our country on a path of significantly less dependence on energy sources from outside North America. The plan recognizes that sustained and affordable energy supply is critical for our nation’s economic and national security.

Additionally, the Romney plan emphasizes the game-changing potential of shale gas and cites a study by PwC, contributed to by the NAM, on the massive job-creating potential in the manufacturing sector of this energy source. Indeed, done correctly, shale gas will create more than 1 million manufacturing jobs in the United States.

We applaud candidates for President, Senate and Congress when they emphasize policies that will benefit manufacturing and improve our nation’s economy for the long run. The Romney energy plan does exactly that.”