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May 11, 2022
Press Release

AF&PA Urges Colorado Governor Polis to Veto EPR Scheme

CONTACT: Tim Ebner
(202) 463-2436, comm@afandpa.org 

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Vice President of Industry Affairs Terry Webber issued the following statement in response to the Colorado General Assembly passing HB22-1355, which would create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for paper and packaging products:

“Colorado’s ‘Producer Responsibility Program for Recycling’ ignores the fact that paper recycling is a success. More paper by weight gets recycled from municipal waste streams each year than aluminum, glass, steel and plastic combined.

“EPR could shift the economic burden of new recycling regulations from municipalities to Coloradans. These added costs would especially hurt small businesses and low-income households. 

“We urge Governor Polis to veto HB22-1355. An EPR scheme is not the right policy approach for sustainable paper products. Colorado should instead focus on addressing underfunded and underdeveloped recycling programs.”

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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