Ep. 31 — Peanut Butter, Steel, and Semiconductors Share the Same Problem with NAM's Mike Davin

Описание: In this episode hosts Adam Murray, Bryan Nix, and Stuart Saulters sit down with Mike Davin of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to unpack the shared challenges facing American manufacturing — regardless of industry.

From food production and steelmaking to semiconductors and data centers, manufacturers across the economy are running into the same obstacles: permitting delays, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for reliable, affordable power.

Davin explains how NAM represents manufacturers of all sizes, why permitting reform has become a top priority, and how energy policy, AI-driven data center growth, and workforce constraints are converging to shape the next phase of U.S. manufacturing. The conversation also explores the concept of energy dominance, what manufacturers actually look for in an energy supply, and why predictable policy matters more than political cycles.

About Mike Davin
Davin is Director, Energy and Resources Policy at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing more than 13 million manufacturing workers and thousands of companies across all industrial sectors.

Before joining NAM, Mike served on Capitol Hill, where he worked on energy, environmental, and regulatory policy. At NAM, his portfolio focuses on energy, natural resources, and environmental issues, including permitting reform, grid reliability, and policies that support manufacturing growth while maintaining environmental stewardship.

Takeaways
NAM focuses on policy, not politics.
Manufacturers need reliable, affordable, and resilient energy sources.
Permitting reform is essential for manufacturing growth.
Trade issues significantly impact manufacturers' operations.
The energy landscape is evolving with new technologies.
Workforce development is crucial for the manufacturing sector.
Collaboration with policymakers is key to addressing challenges.
The future of manufacturing looks promising with the right policies.

Chapters
00:20 Introduction to NAM and Its Role
05:24 Understanding NAM's Policy Development Process
09:34 Key Concerns for Manufacturers
14:44 Energy Dominance and Its Implications
16:36 The Manufacturing Roadmap to AI and Energy Dominance
21:13 Interplay Between Energy Needs and Manufacturing
23:24 Permitting Challenges and Legislative Solutions
29:22 The Concept of Energy Dominance
33:00 Future Outlook and Closing Thoughts
35:56 Introduction to the Conversation
35:35 The After Show