American Forest & Paper Association Sets Advocacy Agenda for 2024

"The growing regulatory burden, including recent EPA air regulations, are threatening U.S. manufacturing jobs and the economy." – Heidi Brock, President and CEO, AF&PA.

March 12, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Board of Directors announced key advocacy priorities for 2024.

"The paper and wood products industry continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainability, safety and environmental stewardship, as evidenced by more than a decade of Better Practices, Better Planet sustainability achievements and our forward-looking 2030 commitments," said Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and Sonoco President and CEO. "It is critical that both state and federal policies not jeopardize access to essential paper products or hinder countless modernization projects for our industry."

This year, several regulatory and policy challenges face both the paper and wood products industry and the U.S. manufacturing sector.

Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO, explained, "The growing regulatory burden, including recent EPA air regulations, are threatening U.S. manufacturing jobs and the economy. Meanwhile extended producer responsibility policies and the European Union's Deforestation Regulation stand to impede our focus on a circular value chain."

Brock continued, "As a condition of membership, AF&PA members are committed to sustainable forest management and sourcing wood fiber from responsibly managed forests. Our industry champions sustainable practices, like the use of renewable biomass energy. We are a proud steward of the environment and natural resources. We believe all Americans benefit when policies are both achievable and sustainable, with the ultimate goal of preserving access to the paper-based products people need and use every day around the world."

About AF&PA

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 recycle 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.

SOURCE: AF&PA