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Proponent Testimony on House Bill 284 — David Cole, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association

Summary

Proponent testimony on House Bill 284, dated June 18, 2025, from David Cole, President of the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA), to the House Development Committee. The testimony thanks Representatives Hiner and White as primary sponsors and describes DIPRA as a 100 year-old organization representing domestic manufacturers of Ductile Iron Pipe. It states that the bill expands Ohio's existing preference for domestic steel to include iron and is modeled on American Iron and Steel legislation. It says the bill includes provisions for waivers in cases of unavailability or unreasonable cost.

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“Proponent Testimony on House Bill 284 — David Cole, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association.” Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-06-18-development-testimony-testimony-10441-9c9ae48925/, SHA-256 51a8ff55271dfe995ccc177913b7977a267b3b864fd49d756d578251e171c4e1.

Full text

                          TESTIMONY OF DAVID COLE
                                   PRESIDENT
                   DUCTILE IRON PIPE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
                        Proponent Testimony – House Bill 284
                                   June 18, 2025

       Chairman, Vice Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the House
Development Committee, thank you very much for the opportunity to provide testimony in
support of House Bill 284. I would also like to thank Representatives Hiner and White for
being the primary sponsors of this legislation and all of the cosponsors for putting their support
behind House Bill 284.
        The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) is a 100 year-old organization
that represents the domestic manufacturers of Ductile Iron Pipe. Ductile Iron Pipe is used for
water and wastewater infrastructure. It is used in water systems from coast to coast.
       In fact, I am pleased to say that here in Ohio, 32 utilities are members of the DIPRA
Century Club – these are utilities that have Iron water mains that have been in use over 100
years. Two utilities – Cincinnati and Columbus – are members of our Sesquicentennial Club
recognizing at least 150 years of Iron Pipe service. The member companies of this Association
are proud of the continued relationships with these and many other utilities that rely upon
Ductile Iron Pipe to reliably and responsibly serve the people of Ohio. We are also proud that
our member company, McWane Ductile, manufactures Ductile Iron Pipe in Coshocton, Ohio.
        On behalf of DIPRA and its members, I would like to express our strong support of
H.B. 284 and respectfully encourage the members of this Committee to support it. House Bill
284 is a common-sense measure that prioritizes Ohio's and America's industrial base. Ohio has
had a long-standing preference for domestic steel products. This bill expands that preference
to include iron, and it is modeled after similar American Iron and Steel legislation (or AIS
legislation) that has passed Congress and several states.
        Enacting a preference for the use of American Iron and Steel in state-funded
infrastructure, building, and utility projects, would achieve several vital objectives:
       1. Bolstering Ohio's Manufacturing Sector and Creating Jobs:
        This bill will directly stimulate demand for American-made iron and steel, leading to
increased production at mills and fabrication plants across Ohio and the nation. This increased
activity translates directly into good-paying jobs for Ohioans in manufacturing, transportation,
and related industries. It provides stability and growth opportunities for companies that have
invested in American facilities and employed American workers.
       2. Strengthening Domestic Supply Chains and National Security:
       Relying on foreign sources for critical infrastructure materials like iron and steel creates
vulnerabilities in our supply chains, especially during times of global disruption or geopolitical
tension. By securing a domestic supply for our infrastructure projects, we enhance our
economic resilience and national security. We ensure that Ohio's vital infrastructure is built
with materials whose origin and quality we can verify and control.
       3. Promoting Economic Multipliers and Local Investment:
        When state funds are used to purchase American-made products, those dollars are
recirculated within our own economy. The wages earned by American workers are spent in
American communities, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenue that can be
reinvested in our state. This creates a powerful economic multiplier effect that benefits all
Ohioans.
       4. Ensuring Quality and Accountability:
       American iron and steel producers operate under stringent quality control standards and
environmental regulations. By requiring American Iron and Steel, we can have greater
confidence in the quality, durability, and safety of our state-funded projects. Furthermore, it
allows for greater accountability, as we can more easily address any issues or concerns with
domestically sourced products.
       5. Aligning with American Iron and Steel (AIS) Principles:
        House Bill 284 aligns Ohio with the successful AIS provisions at the federal level,
which have long recognized the strategic importance of domestic sourcing for public projects.
AIS Principles have functioned successfully at the federal level for well over a decade, and this
bill includes the necessary requirements and waivers to make Ohio’s AIS program a success
too. Notably, the bill includes reasonable provisions for waivers in cases of unavailability or
unreasonable cost, ensuring flexibility while maintaining the core principle of domestic
preference. Being aligned with federal AIS principles will make it easier for Ohio to implement
and enforce its domestic preference, and it reinforces a national commitment to supporting
American manufacturing.
       In conclusion, House Bill 284 is an investment in Ohio's and America’s future. It is an
investment in our workers, our industries, and our economic independence. I urge the
committee to give this vital legislation your favorable consideration and to send a clear
message that Ohio is committed to building its future with American-made strength.
       Thank you for your time and consideration. I welcome any questions you may have.

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