Washington, D.C. – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman underscored the value of the California paper industry to the economy and the industry’s important role in recycling and paper recovery ahead of California Advocacy Day. During face-to-face meetings with state legislators at the State House in Sacramento and at the offices of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) on June 20, AF&PA and member company representatives will encourage policymakers to support the economy, recycling and increased paper recovery.

“More than 400 pulp, paper, paperboard and converted paper products manufacturers across California provide family-wage jobs to more than 22,000 men and women. In an industry strongly dedicated to using recyclable and renewable materials from sustainable forestry, these strong numbers stand to grow when common sense public policy guides the way,” said Harman. “Opening the door to economic growth and job creation and increased collection of clean recyclable paper to improve paper recovery rates are steps in that direction as is easing the regulatory burden for companies operating in the state. All will help businesses remain competitive in the global marketplace and ensure Californians benefit from jobs, opportunity and the environmental benefits created by paper recycling. AF&PA and its member companies thank California policymakers for meeting with them and urges them to advance measures that support recycling, paper recovery, economic growth and job creation.”