[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1034]]
 A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE AMERICAN FOREST & PAPER ASSOCIATION FOR ITS 
                 COMMITMENT TO INCREASED PAPER RECOVERY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2003

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the members of the 
American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) for committing to meet an 
increased paper recovery goal by the year 2012. This effort illustrates 
the paper industry's understanding of our natural resources and its 
desire to safeguard the environment by decreasing the amount of paper 
that is sent to our nation's landfills.
  In 2000, 232 million tons of solid waste was produced in the United 
States, taxing our landfills, peoples' pocketbooks, and our 
environment. In order to sustain economic growth and simultaneously 
promote environmental protection, some hard choices needed to be made--
and were. Since 1987, paper recovery has increased 97 percent. This 
dramatic increase can be traced to an industry set goal on paper 
recovery, as well as the investment of more than $15 billion in new 
equipment. With the help of action-oriented communities across the 
country, AF&PA and its member companies have more than exceeded the 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's target of 35 percent recycling 
by 2005 as part of its ``Resource Conservation Challenge.''
  Achieving higher levels than were they are now will not be easy, but 
it is important since every bit counts. That is why I am pleased that 
AF&PA is reaching out to form partnerships with the Environmental 
Protection Agency, various cities and office building managers across 
the country to help increase public awareness about the benefits of 
recovering paper for recycling. I hope that this public-private 
partnership will raise awareness and encourage larger, future voluntary 
recycling efforts in paper recovery.
  Although I acknowledge progress has been made in paper recycling, 
more can and should be done. As demand for recovered fiber continues to 
grow for both domestic and export markets, additional recovered fiber 
supply will be needed--of note, more than 38 percent of the industry's 
raw material comes from recovered fiber. We should ensure that all 
citizens continue to play a meaningful role in safeguarding the 
environment, encouraging fiber and sustaining economic growth, and 
preserving our natural resources through recycling used paper.
  Environmental progress requires that the private sector and 
government work together to get things done and these efforts provide 
an opportunity for more Americans to recycle in their homes, offices 
and schools. To the end that good progress has been made, I applaud 
AF&PA, but am reminded that success is a continual forward journey. 
Recovering more fiber for recycling at U.S. paper mills through 
recycling challenges, model programs and community partnerships helps 
ensure that the paper industry will continue to be a strong participant 
in the American economy, a responsible steward of the environment and a 
leader in efforts to utilize all available resources in the production 
of recycled content products. For that we should all be thankful.

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