PPRC Position Paper on Preserving Paper Options in Federal Government Policies
The PPRC believes the public should have the option to choose how they receive government information and services in paper or digital formats.
- Paper and digital can work together to ensure critical information is accessible to everyone and reaches the intended recipients.
- Paper is a sustainable, recyclable solution, and no one should be forced to use a digital-only option.
The PPRC urges Congress and federal agencies to protect American’s right to choose how they access government information and services.
- Paper-based options remain essential for millions of people.
- The digital divide still persists in America. Millions of people are without internet access, have limited exposure to computers, or lack digital skills. According to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau, 11.5 million homes in the United States do not have access to the internet.
- According to AARP, 57% of adults with employer-sponsored retirement plans prefer receiving paper statements at least once a year, including 20% who want only mailed statements.
We recommend federal agencies should:
- Not eliminate a paper option without considering the effects relative to the obligation of public access, information disclosure, and interaction with intended recipients.
- Ensure policies are put into place to protect individual personal information from identity theft or fraud before implementing an electronic access as the default option.
We urge Congress to:
- Oppose discriminatory treatment against paper users and rejects implied consent or opt-in requirements that push people away from paper. Digital-by-default policies like this reduce paper use over time, harming the U.S. forest products industry and limiting access for those who rely on paper communications. For these reasons, The PPRC opposes S.1877 and H.R. 2441: Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025.
