WASHINGTON (News release) - American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) introducing the "Trillion Trees Act" in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"Sustainable forestry is a core value among AF&PA members. Our country boasts 20 percent more trees than it did on the first Earth Day celebration nearly 50 years ago, and the U.S. paper and wood products industry plays an important role in helping keep forests as forests.

"Efforts to plant more trees are an important piece of a complex puzzle. This is why the paper industry has the most comprehensive set of quantifiable sustainability goals of any U.S. manufacturing industry in our Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 initiative. With goals centered around increasing the amount of certified fiber we procure, increasing paper recovery, improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing water use - among others - we are proud of the holistic approach our industry has adopted to ensure our resources will be available for future generations just as they are today.

"We look forward to reviewing the full text of Rep. Westerman's legislation, as we all share the goal of contributing to the health of rural communities and the environment."