AF&PA, AWC Applaud Senate Introduction of Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017

April 26, 2017
AF&PA: Chuck Fuqua / Barbara Riley
(202) 463-2436,
AWC: Heather Stegner
(202) 463-4756,

WASHINGTON – American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Donna Harman and American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Robert Glowinski issued the following statement in support of Senators Rob Portman and Heidi Heitkamp’s introduction of the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017.

Donna Harman, President and CEO, AF&PA: 

“Americans deserve regulations that do more good than harm, and the Regulatory Accountability Act would make that common sense standard the law. They also deserve transparency when it comes to the costs, benefits and other supporting data behind the most expensive and complex regulatory proposals. The bill provides that welcome clarity and the opportunity for public input. We appreciate this focus by Senators Portman and Heitkamp and urge quick passage of legislation that takes effective steps to provide accountability in the regulatory process, including a judicially-enforceable cost-benefit test. ” 

Robert Glowinski, President and CEO, AWC: 

“The public has a right to know the costs and benefits of regulations and the quality of scientific and economic analysis used to support them. Congress should hold all regulatory agencies accountable by law to ensure smarter regulation, and this bill will help do that. Sensible regulations can provide important public benefits, but poorly designed regulations can undermine sustainable development and erode the public’s confidence in our government. AWC thanks Senators Portman and Heitkamp for their leadership on regulatory reform and urges quick action on the bill.”

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About AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2020.The forest products industry accounts for approximately 4 percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures over $200 billion in products annually, and employs approximately 900,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter .

About AWC

The American Wood Council (AWC) is the voice of North American wood products manufacturing, representing over 75 percent of an industry that provides approximately 400,000 men and women with family-wage jobs. AWC members make products that are essential to everyday life from a renewable resource that absorbs and sequesters carbon. Staff experts develop state-of-the-art engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products to assure their safe and efficient design, as well as provide information on wood design, green building, and environmental regulations. AWC also advocates for balanced government policies that affect wood products.