AF&PA disappointed with denial of EPA’s motion to dismiss stay challenge on Boiler MACT and CISWI rules

WASHINGTON DC, Sept. 28, 2011 (Press Release) - American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman today issued the following statement regarding U.S. District Court Judge Paul Friedman's denial of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) motion to dismiss the Sierra Club's challenge of EPA's administrative stay of the Boiler MACT and CISWI rules.

"We are disappointed with Judge Friedman's decision to deny EPA's motion to dismiss the challenge. AF&PA agrees with EPA that it has the authority to issue the stays while reconsidering the rules and hopes that future rulings on the merits of the case will recognize this. The stays are necessary to provide EPA the time it needs to get the rules right and to allow businesses to know the rules that will be in place before they invest billions of dollars in capital expenses to comply.

"AF&PA will continue to work with EPA as they develop rules that protect the environment and human health while preserving U.S. manufacturing jobs. Today's ruling reinforces the need for legislation, and we encourage Congress to quickly pass H.R. 2250 and S. 1392."

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.