April 23, 2018

AF&PA Welcomes New EPA Policy on Carbon Neutral Forest Biomass

Contact: Barbara Riley/Chuck Fuqua
(202) 463-2436, comms@afandpa.org

WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding a new policy on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The fiscal year 2017 and 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bills directed the EPA to develop the policy.

“We applaud the Administration for reflecting long-standing scientific principles and Congressional direction in recognizing as carbon neutral the paper and wood products industry’s use of renewable biomass for energy production. We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, eager to strengthen the economy and boost U.S. job creation with the support of public policy that levels the playing field with competitors around the globe. This new EPA policy is an important milestone in implementing the Congressional directive to produce clear and simple policies and acknowledges the scientific record on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass. We look forward to working with EPA as it develops regulations to fully implement this policy.”

Biomass Energy

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative —Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

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