Approximately 85 workers from the U.S. forest products industry visited Washington, D.C. this week, holding more than 500 meetings with members of Congress and federal officials to discuss regulatory, environmental and trade policies affecting the sector.

The delegation, organized by the Pulp and Paperworkers’ Resource Council (PPRC), represents hourly employees from 53 mills across 23 states and advocates for policies supporting the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. pulp, paper and wood products industry, which employs nearly one million people nationwide.

Workforce Engagement Focuses on Regulatory and Economic Policy

The annual “fly-in” event is designed to give mill workers direct access to policymakers at agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), alongside Congressional offices.

According to PPRC leadership, discussions centered on balancing environmental regulations with industrial competitiveness, job stability and sustainable resource management across the forest products value chain.

PPRC Chairman Matt Hall said the initiative provides an opportunity to communicate how environmental policy decisions affect manufacturing operations, fiber supply chains and rural economies dependent on forest-based industries.

Key Policy Areas Discussed With Lawmakers

During the meetings, PPRC representatives outlined industry positions on several regulatory and legislative topics shaping the future of U.S. forest products manufacturing.

Trade and Global Competitiveness

The council emphasized support for maintaining trade frameworks such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and ensuring access to specialized manufacturing equipment and materials.

It also highlighted concerns regarding international regulatory alignment, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the need to maintain competitiveness against non-market economies.

Biomass Energy and Forest Management

PPRC advocated for policies supporting renewable biomass energy derived from forest-based resources, citing its role in carbon sequestration and mill energy systems.

The organization also supported forest management legislation aimed at improving wildfire resilience and maintaining a stable fiber supply for manufacturing operations.

Air Quality and Environmental Permitting

Industry representatives called for regulatory frameworks under the Clean Air Act to consider economic and operational impacts on manufacturing facilities.

They noted that air emissions from the sector have declined significantly over recent decades due to efficiency improvements and modernized mill operations.

Recycling and Packaging Policy

The council expressed opposition to proposed changes to federal recycling-related legislation, arguing that uniform labeling or attribution systems may not reflect the complexity of different material streams.

PPRC emphasized the established recycling performance of paper-based products within existing recovery systems.

Carbon and Bioenergy Policy

The delegation urged policymakers to recognize the carbon benefits of biomass-based energy produced from forest industry residuals, calling for clearer policy definitions around carbon neutrality in federal frameworks.

Water Quality and Mill Residuals

PPRC also raised concerns regarding potential regulatory changes under the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, advocating for continued wastewater treatment exemptions for industrial facilities.

The group highlighted improvements in water quality performance across the industry over the past two decades.

Industry Positioning and Economic Impact

The U.S. forest products sector contributes significantly to manufacturing output, with strong representation across rural and industrial regions. According to industry estimates cited by the council, the sector supports approximately 925,000 jobs and represents a meaningful share of U.S. manufacturing GDP.

PPRC emphasized that modern mills operate under increasingly stringent environmental standards while continuing to supply renewable fiber-based products used in packaging, hygiene, and construction materials.

Ongoing Policy Dialogue

The Washington engagement reflects ongoing dialogue between industry workers, policymakers and regulators as the forest products sector navigates evolving environmental standards, trade dynamics and sustainability expectations.

Industry representatives also acknowledged Congressional support through initiatives such as the Paper and Packaging Caucus, which facilitates discussion between lawmakers and the sector.

As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, the forest products industry is expected to maintain active engagement with policymakers on issues affecting fiber supply, manufacturing competitiveness and environmental performance.

Last Updated on 01/07/2026 by Jota Machinery