"In states like Oregon, EPR is poised to result in escalating fees, limited transparency, and added complexity while failing to recognize the existing, highly effective paper recycling system." Heidi Brock, President and CEO, AF&PA.
March 18, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) on March 16 filed to take part in National Association of Wholesale Distributors v. Leah Feldon, et al. and requested the same temporary pause the court granted NAW.
Heidi Brock, President and CEO of AF&PA stated, "Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies continue to move in the wrong direction. In states like Oregon, EPR is poised to result in escalating fees, limited transparency, and added complexity while failing to recognize the existing, highly effective paper recycling system.
"Our industry continuously invests to improve paper recycling. And we have a significant stake throughout the recycling value chain, including designing products to be recycled, expanding mill-based infrastructure that utilizes recycled paper, and operating over 100 materials recovery facilities (MRFs).
"Rather than penalizing materials like paper and paper packaging that are already widely recycled, policymakers should prioritize approaches that build on existing success and deliver measurable improvements. Treating all materials the same, regardless of recycling performance, ignores decades of progress and distorts recycling markets.
"Paper's strong recycling track record demonstrates that effective systems already exist. AF&PA continues to urge policymakers to support recycling policies that are fair, effective, and grounded in data — not blanket mandates that add cost and discourage innovation," Brock concluded.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. The industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually.
AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry's decades-long initiative – Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.
SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)