The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is warning that proposed changes to the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) could increase wood fiber costs and put pulp and paper mill jobs at risk.
AF&PA opposes efforts to expand RFS incentives to include whole trees, pulpwood and other woody biomass, arguing that such measures would distort fiber markets and undermine domestic manufacturing.
The group said U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and tissue producers depend on a stable and affordable fiber supply, and cautioned that redirecting wood toward fuel production would create direct competition between energy and manufacturing uses.
AF&PA also emphasized the sector’s economic weight, noting that forest products manufacturing supports significantly more jobs than stand-alone biomass energy, including across rural supply chains.
The association added that the proposed policy runs counter to broader efforts to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and warned it would oppose any Farm Bill provisions that include expanded RFS incentives for woody biomass.
The debate highlights growing competition for wood fiber between energy and manufacturing uses, a trend also seen in Europe, where rising biomass demand is tightening fiber supply.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) represents U.S. pulp, paper, packaging and tissue manufacturers.
