Proponent Testimony — House Bill 284, David Cole, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (November 5, 2025)

Summary

Proponent testimony on House Bill 284 to the House Development Committee, dated November 5, 2025, from David Cole, President of the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA). The testimony states that House Bill 284 expands Ohio's long-standing preference for domestic steel products to include iron, and that it is modeled after American Iron and Steel (AIS) legislation. It lists objectives including bolstering Ohio's manufacturing sector, strengthening domestic supply chains, and ensuring quality and accountability, and says the bill includes provisions for waivers in cases of unavailability or unreasonable cost. It urges the committee to give the bill favorable consideration.

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                          TESTIMONY OF DAVID COLE
                                   PRESIDENT
                   DUCTILE IRON PIPE RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
                        Proponent Testimony – House Bill 284
                                 November 5, 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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