Washington, D.C. – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding a new policy on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The fiscal year 2017 and 2018 Omnibus Appropriations bills directed the EPA to develop the policy.

“We applaud the administration for reflecting long-standing scientific principles and Congressional direction in recognizing as carbon neutral the paper and wood products industry’s use of renewable biomass for energy production. We are one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation, eager to strengthen the economy and boost U.S. job creation with the support of public policy that levels the playing field with competitors around the globe. This new EPA policy is an important milestone in implementing the Congressional directive to produce clear and simple policies and acknowledges the scientific record on the carbon neutrality of forest-based, renewable biomass. We look forward to working with EPA as it develops regulations to fully implement this policy.”