WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to the Minnesota State Legislature’s decision to advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation as part of HF 3911 – the Environment and Natural Resources Supplemental Budget Bill.
“We are disappointed in the Minnesota State Legislature’s decision to include EPR language in HF 3911. Paper is one of the most widely recycled materials in the U.S., driven by market-based solutions and billions of dollars in investments advancing the best use of recycled paper in our products.
“Our industry provides a recycling model to emulate rather than burden with untested systems that limit future investment. HF 3911 is not the appropriate vehicle for legislation that ultimately punishes responsible producers.
“We urge Governor Walz to veto this legislation and allow an opportunity for an EPR system to be considered as a standalone bill. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with Governor Walz and Minnesota policymakers to ensure regulations do not create barriers to paper recycling.
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 recyclable 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. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.