The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to the Minnesota State Legislature’s decision to advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation as part of HF 3911 – the Environment and Natural Resources Supplemental Budget Bill.
“We are disappointed in the Minnesota State Legislature’s decision to include EPR language in HF 3911. Paper is one of the most widely recycled materials in the U.S., driven by market-based solutions and billions of dollars in investments advancing the best use of recycled paper in our products."
“Our industry provides a recycling model to emulate rather than burden with untested systems that limit future investment. HF 3911 is not the appropriate vehicle for legislation that ultimately punishes responsible producers."
“We urge Governor Walz to veto this legislation and allow an opportunity for an EPR system to be considered as a standalone bill. We look forward to ongoing dialogue with Governor Walz and Minnesota policymakers to ensure regulations do not create barriers to paper recycling.”
TAPPI
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