PPRC Position Paper on Energy
Current energy problems are complex and they
require immediate attention in order to avert the loss of thousands of
U.S. manufacturing jobs. In addition, we must secure a commitment to
improve the global environment.
The PPRC recommends that Congress develop a long-term national strategy
that includes the following:
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upgrading and expansion of the nation's electrical transmission
infrastructure in order to bring it into the 21st century
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improving energy efficiency
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access to a balanced mix of fuels to include, biomass, wind generation
and U.S natural gas reserves
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streamlining of the regulatory permitting processes for beneficial
projects
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expansion of nuclear energy generating facilities
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improvement of existing hydroelectric facilities and construction
of new facilities
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construction of new refineries and re-opening existing facilities
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investment in the development of cleaner and more energy-efficient
technology for existing domestic energy sources: i.e. coal, other fossil
fuels and agricultural crops
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Biomass fuels burn carbon neutral and should be listed as a source
of green energy and "environmentally preferred" and be accorded
incentives to promote wider use (e.g., tax incentives, research and
development funding and expedited permitting processes).
Due to the limited access to biomass, future energy strategies
should include increased availability of biomass for generating power
to prevent continued job loss in the pulp and paper industry.
Due to climate change concerns, we must make the best use of
our sustainable resources to find long-term solutions.
The paper industry's main raw material is biomass
(wood chips, sawdust, recycled materials, etc.) which can be optimized
in the pulping and papermaking process by generating green energy.
This power generated can be added to the grid to provide energy for
thousands of homes and businesses.
The use of biomass, fossil fuels and electricity for energy is
necessary for our industry. The PPRC is seeking common sense solutions
to the rapidly escalating costs. We ask Congress to support the
simplification of environmental regulations which adversely affect
energy costs by restricting the removal of wood, mining of coal and
the drilling for fossil fuels.
The uncertainty of energy supplies, regulations and prices makes
it impossible for all industries to efficiently forecast operating
costs or make credible plans for future capital expenditures.
The PPRC supports increased environmentally responsible exploration
and production of new sources of fuels within the United States in order
to sustain industry, lower energy costs, increase supply and relieve
American reliance on imported fuels. This would include the increased
access to oil and gas reserves within the United States and the
development of and expedited permitting for liquefied natural gas
facilities.
The Forest Products Industry currently generates on-site power
fueled by biomass, thereby using renewable natural resources, reducing
dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions. We support the construction of additional
on-site energy generating facilities that are environmentally preferred
and seek the streamlining of the permitting processes for this
construction.
There are few incentives for industry to install new
energy-efficient equipment until faced with penalties.
The PPRC seeks common sense regulations based on incentives
rather than penalty avoidance.
Biomass fuels should include bark, scrap wood, wood residuals
and wood extractives from the pulping process instead of some of this
waste being diverted to landfills.
It is necessary to maintain a manufacturing base in this
country in order to sustain jobs and a thriving economy.
Energy plays the most vital role in this equation.
The PPRC is a grassroots organization representing the interests of the nation's pulp, paper, solid wood products, and other natural resource-based workers. The U.S. forest products industry is vitally important to our nation's economy, employing 1.5 million people. We rank among the top 10 manufacturers in 42 states with annual sales exceeding $230 billion, which accounts for 7 % of the U.S. manufacturing shipments. We are people dedicated to conserving the environment while taking into account the economic stability of the workforce and surrounding community.
Rev. 01/30/09
Position Paper Page
Rev. 01-01-09
