AF&PA Supports Congressional Engagement on European Union Deforestation Regulation
Urges Consideration for U.S. Pulp and Paper Industry
WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock today commended bipartisan U.S. Senate efforts urging the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to engage with the European Commission on the challenges of European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR):
“The U.S. pulp and paper industry is not linked to global deforestation and forest degradation. As such, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) – in its current form – poses significant concerns for our country.
The rule presents severe compliance challenges, would disrupt sustainable supply chains, and imposes unwarranted and costly requirements for doing business with the E.U.
“Importantly, U.S. forests are strong and stable – which the European Commission’s global one-size-fits-all regulatory approach does not recognize.
We commend U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (TN) and Angus King (ME) for leading this bipartisan effort with 24 other Senators to address the challenges of EUDR. It's vital the USTR pursue clarity on this regulation's requirements related to traceability, data reporting and country benchmarking. This partnership is essential to protect the interests of our industry, our workers, and the American economy.