WASHINGTON (News release) - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement in response to Senate passage of the bipartisan infrastructure package.

"The paper and wood products industry values bipartisan leadership and we commend this historic agreement. The bipartisan infrastructure package seeks to build a more sustainable future by modernizing our nation's infrastructure and investing in U.S. manufacturing jobs.

"Sustainable practices are the foundation of our industry. AF&PA members and their employees--the approximately 950,000 individuals who make up the forest products industry--create innovative and essential products made from renewable and recyclable resources.

"Senate passage of this landmark agreement is an important step for our industry and our nation. But there is still work to do. House leaders must move the bipartisan infrastructure package over the finish line, and quickly. We need this legislation passed, to strengthen American jobs and manufacturing, supply chains, as well as the broader circular economy."

We applaud the legislation which addresses a number of key infrastructure priorities for AF&PA including:

Transportation: Reforms that emphasize safety, efficiency and workforce development.

Energy Infrastructure: Investment in clean energy transmission to connect renewable energy resources to consumers and improve grid resilience and reliability.

Waste Management/Recycling Infrastructure: The RECYCLE Act, which authorizes a new grant program at the Environmental Protection Agency, providing recycling education to consumers.