#United States #Washington, D.C. #Pulp Workers #Environmental Policy #Job Advocacy

Pulp and Paper Workers Advocate for Change on Capitol Hill

This week, approximately 95 representatives from the Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council (PPRC) visited Washington, D.C., engaging with Members of Congress and Administration officials in over 535 meetings. Their mission was clear: to educate lawmakers on how various legislative and regulatory decisions impact not only the environment but also the livelihoods of families reliant on the forest products industry.

The PPRC: A Voice for the Industry

The PPRC is a grassroots organization composed of hourly employees from the forest products sector, spanning 53 mills across 18 states. Their commitment is to advocate for policies that support nearly one million American manufacturing jobs, emphasizing the need for sustainable regulations that balance economic growth with environmental concerns. Chairman Matt Hall emphasized the importance of their annual fly-in as a crucial opportunity to discuss important issues such as renewable biomass energy, paper recycling, air and water quality regulations, and effective forest management practices.

Key Issues Discussed

The advocacy group highlighted several critical points during their discussions with lawmakers:

1. Air Permitting: The PPRC urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider the stringent Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (PM NAAQS) rule. They argue that the current framework severely limits permit approvals, hindering innovation and impacting rural communities reliant on manufacturing jobs. 78% of modernization projects geared toward emission reduction are at stake under these regulations.

2. Renewable Biomass: The representatives called for clear regulatory guidelines to affirm the carbon neutrality of bioenergy produced in U.S. paper and wood mills. They stressed the need for this recognition within the upcoming Farm Bill and for inclusion in clean electricity tax credits.

3. Forest Management: Supporting initiatives like the Fix Our Forest Act (H.R. 471), the PPRC asserted the necessity of legislation aimed at improved forest management practices that enhance resilience against wildfires, promote carbon sequestration, and bolster family-wage jobs and local businesses.

4. Recycling: Emphasizing the high recovery rates of paper, they opposed new definitions of recycling that might dilute current standards and advocated for the Recycling and Composting Accountability Act to enhance EPA recycling metrics. The industry has made significant progress since 1990, recovering nearly 60% more paper for recycling today than in the past.

5. Endangered Species Act (ESA): The PPRC supported reforms to the ESA, insisting that regulations should be driven by solid scientific evidence and should account for economic implications. They believe the Act should focus on species recovery rather than merely preventing extinction.

6. Water Quality: Recommendations were made to revise the Navigable Waters Protection Rule to retain vital exclusions for wastewater treatment, thus allowing manufacturing processes to maintain sustainable practices without unduly restrictive requirements.

A Commitment to Sustainable Growth

The PPRC members expressed gratitude to lawmakers who have joined the Paper and Packaging Caucus and participated in recent receptions. They emphasized that the forest products industry is not just vital for economic reasons, employing approximately 925,000 individuals, but also crucial for environmental stewardship. They rank among the top ten manufacturers in 43 states, contributing 5% to the total U.S. manufacturing GDP.

The PPRC remains committed to advancing initiatives that marry economic viability with environmental sustainability, showcasing the potential for the paper and wood products industry to be a significant American success story. For additional insight into their goals and action plans, they encourage interested parties to visit their website.

Conclusion

The week-long fly-in event serves as a testament to the PPRC's dedication to not only representing forest products workers but also ensuring that their voices are heard in the corridors of power. Through continued dialogue with legislators, they aim to shape policies that respect both economic needs and environmental health, paving the way for a balanced approach toward sustainable industry practices.