The AF&PA, Washington, D.C., USA, has announced its top 2016 advocacy priorities. Working with member companies and allied industries, the association hopes to "stem the tide of regulatory overreach" by working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Congress, and other stakeholders, as well as advocating other legislative goals for tax reform and trade improvement.

"Paper and wood products manufacturers operate in a highly competitive global marketplace. On behalf of the more than 900,000 men and women who make our products, it is important that public policies do not impede business investment and job creation," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman.

AF&PA's top 2016 advocacy priorities:

• Advance reforms that account for the cumulative regulatory burden facing manufacturers and ensure regulations are based on best available scientific and technical information through a transparent and accountable rulemaking process.
• Support recognition of biomass energy as carbon neutral and minimize costs in the implementation of the Clean Power Plan legislation.
• Defend against overreach on air and water regulations affecting the industry, including human health water quality criteria and encourage adoption of permitting modernization for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
• Maintain access to paper-based communication options for government services and information in order to serve the millions of Americans who either choose to forego or lack access to digital communication.
• Promote the industry's sustainability record and inform state and federal regulators of the industry's progress toward improved energy efficiency, paper recovery for recycling, sustainable forestry and safety incident rates and decreased greenhouse gas emissions and water use.
• Advocate for open market access for industry exports, which account for 15% of all shipments, through international trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and against unfair international trade practices that affect paper and wood products markets.
• Urge congressional action to comprehensively reform the tax code to improve U.S. manufacturers' competitiveness.

"The exponential growth in U.S. regulations is harming many segments our economy, including paper and wood products manufacturing. We will work in 2016 and beyond for federal and state policies that unleash the potential for American economic leadership," said Harman. "We plan to respond vigorously to potential midnight regulations as we enter this administration's final year and work proactively for positive change."

More information about the issues to be addressed by the association in 2016 are available online.