This week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work closely with local officials to preserve the permits and approvals for a factory in Perry.
Last month, Georgia-Pacific announced it would close its Foley Cellulose Facility in Taylor County.
Two weeks after Perry was hit hard by Hurricane Idalia, Georgia-Pacific offered its reasons for closing the factory and laying off more than 500 employees.
“Various factors influenced this difficult decision. Ultimately, GP does not believe that the mill can competitively serve its customers in the long term despite the significant investments and commitment by GP Cellulose since the site was acquired in 2013. This is a strategic decision that was made prior to Hurricane Idalia and is not a reflection of the hard work and effort of the Foley team,” Georgia-Pacific announced. “All the approximately 525 jobs at the mill will be impacted by this closure. Production will continue for a limited time as the site works to fulfill as many customer commitments as possible. The mill plans a safe and orderly shutdown.
“Georgia-Pacific’s focus in the coming weeks and months is to continue to safely operate while supporting our employees during the transition,” the company added. “Georgia-Pacific thanks its employees at Foley for their hard work and commitment and will work with them to provide access to local support agencies and job placement resources, including available opportunities within Georgia-Pacific or other Koch companies.”
Scott wrote EPA Administrator Michael Regan on the matter this week.
“I write to you today regarding my deep concern about the recently announced closure of the GP Foley Mill in Taylor County, Florida. I am aware that the mill’s closure will result in a significant loss of 525 jobs in the region, compounding the economic challenges faced by the community recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Idalia,” Scott wrote. “The GP Foley Mill has been an essential source of employment and economic stability for Taylor County and the surrounding areas for many years. The announced closure of the mill has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many hardworking individuals concerned about their continued livelihoods and creating a ripple effect on local businesses and services. The situation is exacerbated by the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Idalia, which has only heightened the need for economic recovery and job creation in the region.
“As the search is underway for a buyer to take over the mill operations, a question has arisen about the transferability of the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Title V permits needed to operate the mill,” Scott added. “Given the importance of preserving jobs and economic stability in the region, I respectfully request your assistance in providing the elected officials in Taylor County with information about the NPDES and Title V permits. Specifically, it would be helpful to know whether the permits for the GP Foley Mill may be preserved until a sale of the mill can be finalized, and whether the transfer period may be extended if more time is needed.
“The residents of Taylor County are resilient and will overcome the challenges facing their community, but they need your assistance in this matter. I appreciate your attention to this important issue, and look forward to working with you to provide this information to the Taylor County officials,” Scott wrote in conclusion.
