AF&PA thanks EPA for extending MACT boiler rule deadline
Empower Wood Firms to Generate Jobs

WASHINGTON  -- The American Forest & Paper Association, an umbrella organization that represents a number of wood trade associations, credited the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for delaying implementation of its Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) rule.

AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement:

“We welcome EPA’s decision to take more time to evaluate the data that will support a Boiler MACT rule that puts 'Achievability' back in MACT. Last week’s disappointing jobs numbers underscore the urgency for the country to find a path forward on environmental regulations that will support existing jobs and new job creation.

“In August, AF&PA publicly released a report on the impact the proposed rule would have on manufacturing jobs, citing nearly 17,000 jobs that would be lost at pulp and paper mills, and almost 72,000 jobs at risk throughout the industry’s supply chain. AF&PA submitted more than 500 pages of comments on the proposed rule, detailing the issues of concern and offering alternative approaches to protect the environment and support jobs.

“We support EPA’s decision to ask the court for 15 more months to re-propose the Boiler MACT rule and make a thorough assessment of the data. I am hopeful the EPA has heard the concerns with the aspects of the initially proposed rule and that the revised rule will be written with an eye toward U.S. competitiveness.”

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