AF&PA commends committee approval of bi-partisan legislation on Boiler MACT

WASHINGTON DC, Sept. 21, 2011 (Press Release) - American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman today issued the following statement regarding House Energy and Commerce Committee approval of H.R. 2250 - the EPA Regulatory Relief Act.

"I commend Chairman Upton and the Energy and Commerce Committee's action to protect American manufacturing jobs by voting in favor of this bill. Committee members demonstrated the kind of leadership workers need from their elected representatives at this critical time, further advancing the vision set forth by the original bi-partisan group of co-sponsors in June.

"The EPA Regulatory Relief Act provides a path forward to ensure an achievable rule will be adopted and implemented as soon as possible. As our nation's economy struggles to gain footing, bi-partisan support for H.R. 2250 is an important step toward achieving these objectives."

The American Forest & Paper Association is the national trade association of the forest products industry, representing pulp, paper, packaging and wood products manufacturers, and forest landowners. Our companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources that sustain the environment. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP. Industry companies produce about $175 billion in products annually and employ nearly 900,000 men and women, exceeding employment levels in the automotive, chemicals and plastics industries. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org.