AF&PA Applauds EPA‘s Proposed Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Rule
CONTACT: Lindsay Murphy / Tim Ebner
(202) 463-2587, comm@afandpa.org
WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) proposed rule:
“AF&PA is pleased the EPA has moved forward in proposing an achievable Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule. This is the result of more than two decades of work that gives the forest products industry regulatory certainty while encouraging the use of renewable, carbon-neutral fuel.
“While limits for several boiler types have become more stringent, we believe they are feasible and affordable. Already, to date, our industry has invested $1 billion in controls to meet Boiler MACT obligations.
“We also recognize the work of our members, who in the last two decades have achieved major reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions – two priority air pollutants identified by the EPA. Our industry has seen a dramatic three-quarters reduction of SO2 emissions from mills in their power boilers, as well as a significant one-third reduction in NOx. On average about two-thirds of the energy used to make paper comes from carbon-neutral biomass – not fossil fuels.
“We appreciate the work that EPA did to ensure that the rule is achievable while advancing our environmental stewardship.”