Consumables

American Forest & Paper Association Board Sets 2014 Key Federal Policy Initiatives

Monday 10. February 2014 - Federal advocacy continues in six high-priority areas

The American Forest & Paper Association’s (AF&PA) board of directors formally established the association’s key federal policy initiatives for 2014 at its recent meeting in Washington.
“AF&PA members drive our association’s priority setting, because they know first-hand the challenges our industry is facing and what issues have the greatest potential to affect their ability to operate,” said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. “By setting these priorities, we’re able to focus our efforts and ensure policymakers and regulators hear our members’ most pressing concerns.”
AF&PA’s 2014 key federal policy initiatives include:
— working with key stakeholders and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and to support recognition of the carbon neutrality of biomass in
greenhouse gas regulations, including in prevention of significant
deterioration rules and new source performance standards;
— working with lawmakers, EPA, and other stakeholders to support
development of practical and sustainable air regulations, including
ozone national ambient air quality standards, boiler maximum achievable
control technology and non-hazardous secondary materials rules;
— supporting energy policies that take into consideration the
carbon-reduction benefits provided by the industry’s use of biomass in
energy production as well as cost and supply implications for the paper
and wood products industry;
— supporting Congress’ work to create better and more efficient rail and
truck transportation options for the industry through the Federal
Highway Reauthorization Bill or other related legislation;
— working with legislators, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and
others to ensure industry concerns are addressed in a variety of
forestry and agriculture programs, including advocating for adequate
funding of the Forest Inventory Analysis program and for inclusion of
forest products in the USDA’s BioPreferred program; and
— ensuring that any tax changes improve economic growth, job
opportunities, and the competitiveness of U.S.-based businesses.