New federal air standards that are being considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could result in the loss of 7,500 jobs in the papermaking industry in Wisconsin and the closure of 11 paper mills, according to a study released by Fisher International, a pulp and paper mill data firm.
The study estimates that more than 43,000 jobs could be lost across the country, and about 92 mills closed because of the new regulations. Wisconsin is one of the largest paper-making states, and would face some of the biggest losses.
One of the new rules under consideration by the EPA, named Boiler MACT, would set emission rules for boilers and process heaters at universities, small municipalities, food product processors, furniture makers, federal facilities and a wide range of manufacturers, including paper mills.
“This study clearly shows that the impact of new air regulations on the paper industry would be devastating,” said Jeff Landin, president of the Wisconsin Paper Council. “The capital cost of compliance for Wisconsin paper mills for (the one of the new regulations) would be $470 million. Regulators and industry can and must work together to preserve good paying jobs and protect the environment.”
The study was commissioned by the American Forest & Paper Association. Aside from the more than 43,000 jobs in the paper industry, it projects an additional 185,000 jobs lost in the supply chain and related industries.
“The proposed Boiler MACT rule would destroy jobs in our industry at a time when policymakers are rightly saying we need to preserve and grow manufacturing jobs,” said Donna Harman, president and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association. “EPA has a choice – they can regulate in a way that protects both jobs and the environment, or they can regulate in a way that sacrifices jobs.”
Landin said the Wisconsin Paper Council is now reaching out to politicians and federal regulators, in an effort to ease some of the proposed regulations.
“We have taken our message on the impact from Boiler MACT aggressively to our elected officials and the EPA,” he said. “It is hoped that our comments and those comments from others facing these unnecessary costs will be heard and the regulations modified to protect jobs and the environment.”
