LONGVIEW, Washington — U.S. Representatives Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Pete Aguilar met with pulp and paper workers and union leaders in Longview, Washington, reaffirming congressional support for the domestic pulp and paper industry while highlighting the importance of workplace safety following a fatal mill accident earlier this year.

The meeting was held at the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW) Hall, where lawmakers discussed workforce development, industrial safety and the long-term future of paper manufacturing in Southwest Washington.

Focus on Worker Safety After Fatal Mill Incident

The visit comes after a chemical tank failure at the Nippon Dynawave paper mill in Longview that resulted in the deaths of 11 workers, bringing renewed attention to safety standards across the pulp and paper sector.

Gluesenkamp Perez said maintaining safe workplaces is essential for preserving skilled manufacturing jobs and supporting communities that rely on the forest products industry.

She emphasized that experienced millworkers represent generations of technical knowledge that remain critical to the industry’s future.

Supporting the Forest Products Workforce

During discussions with workers, the lawmakers focused on measures intended to strengthen the natural resource economy while ensuring long-term employment opportunities within the pulp and paper industry.

Gluesenkamp Perez has previously introduced the Jobs in the Woods Act, legislation designed to expand education and workforce training for skilled forestry and manufacturing careers.

The proposal aims to help develop the next generation of employees for industries including pulp, paper and wood products manufacturing.

Chemical Safety Funding Increased

The congresswoman also highlighted recent efforts to secure more than US$5 million in appropriations for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB).

The additional funding is intended to support investigations into industrial chemical incidents and improve safety oversight at facilities such as pulp and paper mills.

Industry observers note that chemical processing, recovery boilers and large-scale industrial equipment make safety management a continuing priority across modern paper manufacturing operations.

Paper Industry Remains Important Regional Employer

Southwest Washington continues to be home to several major pulp and paper operations that support regional employment and the broader forest products supply chain.

As manufacturers face increasing economic and regulatory pressures, policymakers and industry representatives are placing greater emphasis on maintaining skilled industrial jobs while improving operational safety and workforce development.

The Longview meeting reflects ongoing efforts to balance industrial competitiveness with stronger workplace protections for employees working across North America’s pulp and paper sector.

Last Updated on 05/08/2026 by Jota Machinery