AF&PA Delivered: EPR Bills Introduced, Tariffs Delayed

Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council Educates on Capitol Hill for U.S. Forest Products Industry Support

Quick Take: The Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council (PPRC) engaged with Members of Congress and administrative officials in Washington, D.C. They educated Members of Congress on the significant role of the U.S. forest products industry in various communities and the manufacturing sector.  

During their fly-in, the PPRC:

• Made 536visits, emphasizing the significant role of the U.S. forest products industry in various communities.
• Underscored the far-reaching consequences of legislative and regulatory decisions on families and communities reliant on the forest products manufacturing sector for their livelihoods.

Tariff Update: Mexico, Canada Tariffs Delayed

Quick Take: On February 3, President Donald Trump announced that he had reached a deal with the Mexican and Canadian governments to delay tariffs from going into effect for 30 days. However, 10% tariffs on China went into effect at 12:01am EST on February 4 and remain in effect.

Dive Deeper:

The Chinese Response

The Chinese government responded with their own tariffs on things like coal, gas and other goods. They also are beginning an antitrust investigation into Google.

Next Steps for Canada and Mexico

As part of the deal, both the Canadian and Mexican governments agreed to send troops to their prospective borders and are making additional investments in security. 

The Canadian government also released a list of retaliatory tariffs on February 2. The list addressed approximately $30 billion in U.S. goods, including about $2 billion in pulp and paper products. These retaliatory tariffs could come into play again on March 4 when the 30-day pause is up.

What’s Next? AF&PA will continue to monitor the various trade conversations between the U.S. government and the governments in Canada, Mexico and China. We will continue to keep you posted on additional updates.

Stay in the Loop: David Ross

House Budget Committee Delays Markup

Quick Take: This week, the House Budget Committee was set to approve the first procedural hurdle of the budget reconciliation process – approving a budget resolution.

Dive Deeper: On Monday, it was announced that the Budget Committee would not be marking up the resolution this week. This will delay the process of the House working towards a massive reconciliation package that could include tax, energy, and border security measures.

What’s Next? House Leadership proposed a budget resolutionthat would have cut approximately $500 billion in federal spending. House lawmakers, including members of the House Freedom Caucus, would like additional spending cuts. The House Budget Committee could aim to markup a new resolution as early as next week.

Stay in the Loop:David Ross

OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY

Washington State Introduces Competing EPR Bills

Quick Take: Washington is considering EPR for packaging and paper products across 4 different bills.

Dive Deeper: House Bill 1071 and Senate Bill 5058 establish a needs assessment and truth in labeling study for packaging and paper products. House Bill 1150 and Senate Bill 5284 go further, establishing a full EPR program. All 4 bills have received public hearings and are eligible to be voted out of committee.

What’s Next? AF&PA maintains a needs assessments must occur before EPR programs to establish an accurate baseline for the state. AF&PA is promoting improvements to the needs assessment legislation to best position our industry.

Stay in the Loop: Julie Landry

AF&PA Submits Comments on Oregon’s EPR Program Plan

Quick Take: AF&PA submitted comments on the proposed program plan for implementation of the Oregon Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law by Circular Action Alliance (CAA). AF&PA highlighted our concerns with responsible end markets, base fees, and ecomodulation.

Dive Deeper: CAA is the only organization to apply to be the producer responsibility organization in Oregon. The first 2 versions of the program plan were rejected by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

What’s Next? The Oregon EPR program will begin on July 1, 2025. Oregon DEQ will approve the CAA plan before then.

Stay in the Loop: Shoshana Micon

Maryland Introduces EPR Bill

Quick Take: Senate Bill 901 was introduced in Maryland to establish an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program to reimburse localities for the costs of managing packaging.

Dive Deeper: Maryland is currently conducting a needs assessment for EPR in consultation with an advisory council. This assessment has not yet been completed.

AF&PA is concerned about EPR legislation advancing before incorporating the findings of the needs assessment and the council's recommendations.

What’s Next? Senate Bill 901 will be heard in the Maryland Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee on February 18. AF&PA will be submitting written testimony and seeking an opportunity to provide oral testimony.

Stay in the Loop: Frazier Willman

INDUSTRY UPDATES

Sylvamo’s “Pressing Issues” Webinar Series Delivers

Quick Take: The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is an essential service to our industry and those who use our products. Mail helps keep us connected.

AF&PA member, Sylvamo, highlighted how a recent Netflix movie, “The Six Triple Eight” spotlights the significance of direct mail and how it delivers hope.

Dive Deeper: USPS delivers vital communications papers across the country like postcards, billing statements, birthday cards and letters.

In 2024, Sylvamo launched “Pressing Issues,” a webinar series exploring tactics to keep USPS delivering reliably and affordably.

What’s Next? Their next webinar is on February 21st. Register today.