IN DEFENSE OF LOBBYING
Continued from page 1 - Lobbying
Continued from page 8 - Energy Management
solutions. Regulators today are ramping up water quality standards in the states and NWFPA is closely involved. The association’s role is to ensure problem areas are addressed in a balanced
way while recognizing the need to account for technological
barriers and business impacts. This too requires lobbying.
efficiency is the best mitigation strategy against the risks of
rising energy rates and climate regulations.
In the 1960’s, NWFPA was engaged in implementing the
requirements of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, putting new standards on raw product and processed foods.
The association’s involvement is no different today with the
implementation of the Food Safety and Modernization Act,
attempts to set new regulatory standards on packaging at
the state level, and GMO labeling measures. NWFPA staff is
intimately involved with each of these issues in the legislative
and regulatory arenas and, yes, you guessed it: this requires a
significant amount of lobbying.
Whether addressing greenhouse gas emissions, food packaging, water issues, or taxes, the association is well-respected at
the Capitol. This is due in large part to a reputation as being
forward-thinking, seeking to solve problems rather than start
them, embracing a strong commitment to sound science and
process, and relentless advocacy on behalf of the industry.
The nation’s founding fathers got it right when they recognized, in the First Amendment, the right “to petition the
government for a redress of grievances.” NWFPA continues to
uphold this ideal, not only as an appropriate role for the
association, but as its most profound responsibility.
In 2009, in an effort to mobilize the industry to embrace
greater efficiencies, NWFPA adopted aggressive goals to
reduce industry-wide energy intensity (amount of energy used
per pound of product) by 25 percent in ten years and by 50
percent in 20 years. Data collection and analysis indicate that
the industry is on track to achieve the 25 percent goal.
In October 2013, the NWFPA Energy Committee identified
priority program areas for NWFPA focus:
1. Energy data collection and use
2. Behavioral energy efficiency
3. New technologies
With rising electricity prices and climate regulations on the
horizon, energy management makes good business sense.
Energy efficiency can reduce emissions levels and mitigate
the financial risks of increased energy rates and future penalties or taxes on carbon or emissions. NWFPA offers programs,
resources, education, networking and contacts to help food
processors manage their energy use.
Visit us in Booth #624 at Expo
12 NWFPA NW REPORTS – WINTER 2013
Celebrating 100 Years