WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release) - Representatives of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Northwest Pulp & Paper Association (NWPPA) and the Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) are partnering to host today's Forest Products Advocacy Day in Olympia, Washington. In meetings with legislators, they plan to highlight industry sustainability successes, including current greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and the recently-announced goal, and discuss upcoming legislation.

Following the success of GHG emission reductions by member companies, AF&PA has announced its new GHG reduction goal of 20 percent by the year 2020. In 2014, sustainable manufacturing practices under the association's Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative led to a 16 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by member facilities, surpassing the previous 15 percent reduction goal ahead of schedule. In meetings with Washington state lawmakers, they will discuss how any legislation to regulate or tax GHG emissions should account for industry leadership on emissions reductions.

"Washington's paper and wood product industry manufactures the products that make everyday life easier and remains committed to sustainability. That focus has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions today and will contribute to further reductions in the years ahead," said AF& PA President & CEO Donna Harman. "We hope state lawmakers will account for that leadership on the road ahead, allowing Washington's forest industries to remain globally competitive."

The Washington forest products industry supports family-wage jobs for 106,000 workers and generates $5.2 billion in wages annually. In Washington alone, forests absorb and store 28.6% of the state's climate emissions in live trees and harvested products.

"Our companies are faithful stewards of Washington's abundant natural resources and dedicate themselves to the manufacturing practices that preserve and protect our state's environment and reduce greenhouse gasses in the process" said NWPPA Executive Director Chris McCabe. "The Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 results speak for themselves. On the road ahead, we look forward to sharing ideas to build on this success without implementing costly and complex new legislation."

"Washington's working forests play a valuable role in our state's economy and help mitigate carbon dioxide, a principal greenhouse gas. Companies, families and individuals work day-in and day-out to produce forest products that are climate friendly and renewable and operate under the most environmentally friendly and sustainable practices that embrace the values of well-managed forests," said WFPA Executive Director Mark Doumit. "WFPA focuses on promoting balanced forest policies that allow them to continue that work."

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