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AF&PA Applauds New York Governor Hochul for Vetoing Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul vetoing the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act (S.4859-A/A.5682-A):

“The American Forest & Paper Association applauds Governor Hochul’s decision to veto New York’s Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act. The U.S. paper and wood products industry depends on sustainable forest growth. We champion sustainable forestry.

“The proposed legislation brought significant concerns for our industry impacting non-tropical forest products, like cardboard boxes and paper bags.

“It would have also created trickle-down effects for our industry’s circular supply chain and raised serious questions on the trade restrictive approach to forest management.

“New York lawmakers should instead engage in dialogue with the international community recognizing sustainably managed forests and wood product supply chains that already exist in North America.”

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