Governor Addresses Pulp and Paper Association
October 22, 2009
DEDHAM – Governor John E. Baldacci addressed the 2009 Maine Pulp & Paper Association Annual Meeting this morning this morning, delivering a message of opportunities ahead to benefit the industry and the State of Maine.
“The forest products industry remains the largest manufacturing sector in our economy,” said Governor Baldacci. “Papermaking is a vital part of that industry, which is why we have been proactive in taking steps to make sure that we remain competitive. Today, this sector is making more paper, more efficiently. Maine continues to provide products for niche markets as a result of this industry’s progressive efforts to participate in third-party certification programs. Maine’s forests are the envy of the nation, and can and will support papermaking, emerging forest products industries and a tourism and recreation economy.”
The Governor outlined the critical steps that have been made during his administration that have supported the pulp and paper industry. Among the improvements have been:
o Stabilizing funding for BETR;
o Supporting employment tax increment financing (TIFs);
o Repealing the personal property tax for business equipment;
o Instituting the Pine Tree Zone program;
o Working aggressively to keep four mills open and keeping Maine people working; and
o Appointing a liaison to the industry to engage with industry and mill officials to keep machines operating.
“We took these steps because the pulp and paper industry is vital to Maine’s economy,” said the Governor. “Our State’s identity is inseparable from its natural resources. Maine’s woods have long been both our brand and our lifeline.”
The Governor recognized the challenges that are before the industry, but noted that key partnerships have been formed to sustain and grow this important sector of the economy.
“My administration is working with federal conservation and energy agencies, the forest products industry, landowners and the conservation community to chart a new course,” said the Governor. “Maine has a unique opportunity to sustain and grow its economy by providing Maine people and industry with low-cost, home-grown, renewable energy. We will maintain a stable and sustainable wood supply, and we will secure and enhance Maine’s unparalleled recreational opportunities.”
In particular, the Governor highlighted his administration’s efforts to develop new, clean sources of energy. He said a strong mix of resources – including wind, biomass, solar, hydro and tidal – should be harnessed. Energy independence holds the promise to reduce pollution while lowering costs and removing the grip held over Maine industries by foreign sources of energy.
“Now is the time to look to the future and act boldly,” concluded the Governor. “For well over a century, stewards have managed our forests for the long-term benefit of its citizens and the State’s economy. That spirit is alive and well in Maine. I think of men and women like Keith Van Scotter, Mike Jackson and Lynn Tilton who are bringing innovative ideas into Maine’s traditional industries. And it is alive and well in the men and women who go to work every day to sustain our forests and make the pulp and paper that is so important to our State. Together, we can secure the future of Maine’s pulp and paper industry and protect our forest heritage.”
