AF&PA on EPA’s timeline for reconsideration of boiler and incinerator rules: EPA needs time to make improvements to save jobs

WASHINGTON DC, June 24, 2011 (Press Release) - American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Donna Harman today issued the following statement regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) timeline for reconsideration of the Boiler and Incinerator rules.

"We plan to fully participate in EPA's reconsideration process to ensure that real-world boilers can achieve these rules. EPA has asked for additional testing data, some of which may not be completed by October. Thus, we also urge passage of H.R. 2250, to ensure EPA has adequate time to make the significant improvements which are needed in the Boiler MACT rules. It is critical in today's economic climate to protect manufacturing jobs and give businesses the certainty to invest We believe that environmental protection and job creation can work together with regulations that are achievable and affordable and that EPA needs to take the time to get the additional data it needs to produce a good rule."

# # #

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.