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AF&PA Disappointed in U.S. Department of the Treasury Final Rules for Technology-Neutral Clean Electricity Credits

Urges Recognition of Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Biomass Energy Systems

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS releasing final rules for the Clean Electricity Investment and Production Tax Credits.

“The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) final rule on clean electricity production and investment tax credits fails to recognize the carbon benefits of our industry’s biomass energy systems.  

“The pulp and paper industry’s biomass energy systems should qualify for these credits. Unfortunately, despite the extensive comments and scientific literature we submitted in the record, Treasury declined to address the issue at this time.

“We urge the Trump administration to work with policymakers to resolve this harmful regulatory uncertainty regarding the carbon benefits of our biomass energy systems.”

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