WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following comment regarding the Postal Regulatory Commission’s announcement of a proposed rulemaking for the postal ratemaking system: 

“We appreciate that the Postal Rate Commission recommended a continuation of a cap on price adjustments – a key element of the system that brings predictability and stability to mail.  However, we plan to further examine the proposed, expanded Postal Service rate authority and intend to offer comments during the public consultation period to ensure that mail is a preferred and competitive option in the marketplace. Postal rate increases traditionally have had a negative effect on mail volumes. The $1.4 billion mailing industry and its 7.5 million employees, including paper products companies that supply raw materials for print communications and packaging, need postal rate policies that will support their ability to thrive.”