Our Views

“Our Views” reflect the values and strategic focus of the Empire State Forest Products Association (ESFPA) toward government policy (federal, state and local) which has the potential to benefit or hurt New York’s forests, forest product industries or forest landowners. 

The forest products industry employs approximately 100,000 men and women in New York and is built on the principles of sustainability; producing products and energy from a renewable resource; creating family supporting jobs in all regions of the State; managing our forests in a manner that sustains and enhances the ecosystem benefits of clean air and water, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and open space.  ESFPA members manufacture essential paper and wood-based products that are used daily by people in our state, country and around the world.  ESFPA members also own and steward thousands of acres of forests that support our manufacturing sector and execute sustainable forest management practices that ensure a continued supply of timber and forest related products for generations to come.

We support market-based policies and regulations that foster economic growth, job creation, and international competitiveness in this economic sector.  We believe public policies are most effective when they meet the economic needs, environmental concerns, and social expectations of our diverse communities.  “Our Views” are more general than the Association’s targeted and specific priorities for annual budgets or our position on a specific policy, regulation or law and are intended to present our platform for existing and prospective members and public policy makers.

Our Views for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session.