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Tax

The U.S. tax code puts our country’s forest products industry at a distinct disadvantage against its international competition. Significant reform of the U.S. tax system, leading to a lower tax burden, is necessary for the U.S. forest products industry to better compete in the global marketplace.

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Energy Costs

Though the forest products industry is the largest producer of renewable biomass energy and a leading user of highly efficient
co-generation technology, purchased energy remains our third largest manufacturing cost. Minimizing energy costs, ensuring access to the grid for co-generation facilities, and securing adequate access to affordable natural gas supplies, are all AF&PA priorities.

Sustainability

The forest products industry seeks a sustainable balance between our business, environmental, and societal obligations so that our businesses grow, our natural resources will be as plentiful for future generations as they are today, and we foster the well-being of the communities where we live and work.

Forestry and Fiber Supply

Forest products companies that no longer own forests retain a keen interest in these lands, however, as they are the source of their raw materials. Encroaching development, an emerging demand for bioenergy, and potential harvest restrictions are all issues that could impact forest management and the fiber supply.

Alternative Fuel Mixture Tax Credit

Increasing America’s energy security and rewarding the use of clean burning fuels is a national priority. The forest products industry is a leader in renewable energy and many papermakers qualify for tax credits that reward and support the use of alternative fuels to make electricity. Revoking the credits before they expire at the end of 2009 could have serious consequences for the industry and its nearly one million employees at a time of unprecedented economic challenges.

Renewable Energy

The forest products industry is the nation’s leading producer and user of renewable biomass energy. In fact, the energy we produce from biomass exceeds the total energy produced from solar, wind, and geothermal sources combined. Current renewable energy policy often rewards new market entrants, while ignoring existing significant producers like the forest products industry.

Climate Change

Forests and the paper and wood products that come from them store enough carbon each year to offset approximately 10 percent of U.S. CO2 emissions. Forests and forest products can make significant contributions to climate change solutions, as long as policymakers avoid crippling costs that would put the industry at a global competitive disadvantage.