WASHINGTON, D.C. (News Release) -- American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman issued the following statement regarding Congressional passage of the fiscal year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations bill - legislation that includes language clarifying federal regulatory policy to reflect the carbon-neutrality of forest-based biomass. The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed the measure, and President Trump is expected to sign it into law.

"U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers have for seven years sought clear policy direction on the carbon neutrality of forest-based renewable biomass energy. Thanks to Congressional action, federal agencies can now ensure the U.S. is no longer out of step with our global competitors. Today's action is the type of policy that can foster growth in U.S. manufacturing.

"Through the benefit of Congressional direction, federal biomass policy will appropriately reflect our industry's use of carbon neutral biomass for energy. That's called progress. We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Collins (R-ME) and Murkowski (R-AK) and Congressmen Simpson (R-ID) and Calvert (R-CA) and the support of their many colleagues."