Upton Carries Recycling Amendment Across Finish Line in House

For Immediate Release:

WASHINGTON, DC – December 3, 2015 – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015. This bill contains a provision that is very important to nationwide recycling efforts and the paper recycling industry: Section 4114.

Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) has long understood the importance of maintaining a viable fiber supply to the recycled paper industry. The Paper Recycling Coalition applauds the tremendous initiative and tenacity of the Chairman and thanks House Members for their support.

Current law requires federal agencies to purchase a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources, including wind, solar and municipal solid waste (MSW). Unfortunately, the definition of MSW includes recyclable materials, such as paper. Section 4114 would prohibit federal agencies from purchasing energy from Waste-to-Energy facilities that burn commonly recycled paper or MSW when the recyclables have been collected in one bin with garbage.

Manufacturers of 100% recycled paperboard and containerboard operate approximately 400 facilities in 42 states, representing over 50,000 direct, well-paid jobs. The only raw materials these mills can use is clean recyclable paper in the manufacture of cereal and pizza boxes, beverage containers and shipping cartons. The continued availability of commonly recycled paper is critical to sustaining and growing this vital industry. Chairman Upton’s leadership will help to ensure this important goal which is pro-environment, pro-economy and pro-recycling.

For Further Information:

Terese Colling, President

Paper Recycling Coalition

Phone: 202-347-9060

Email: colling@collingswifthynes.com

Fran McPoland, Vice President

Paper Recycling Coalition

Phone: 202-347-9061

Email: McPoland@collingswifthynes.com