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Forest products industry leaders from across the United States visited members of Congress to represent the priorities of industry workers in protecting jobs from what they call "unaffordable regulations," such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Boiler MACT rule. The visit was hosted by the American Forest & Paper Association and American Wood Council.
“As one of the top manufacturing sectors in the American economy, it’s important for our companies to have a direct dialogue with Members of Congress about how federal regulations and legislation impact our ability to compete globally,” said Donna Harman, AF&PA president and chief executive. “In addition to the issues directed at us, we will take this opportunity to apprise our elected representatives of the proactive steps our industry is taking, such as our new sustainability initiative, titled Better Practices, Better Planet 2020: industry-wide goals announced earlier this year which capture the social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability.”
The CEOs and senior executives from 40 companies representing AF&PA and AWC participated in meetings with Congress members and their staff. Priority issues addressed include the need to ensure the proper time and parameters for EPA to construct an affordable and achievable Boiler MACT rule, as well as building energy codes, green building policies, and competitiveness from trade and transportation.
“Our members look forward to representing the issues before our industry, and highlighting the positive contributions we make to the lives of everyday Americans,” said AWC President Robert Glowinski. “The wood products industry continues to be a vital part of achieving the American dream of homeownership, and the companies that make those products deserve equal opportunity in policies concerning building products. We look forward to speaking with our representatives on the issues concerning the more than 300,000 men and women of the wood products industry.”