DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

TA-W-61,720

BLUE HERON PAPER COMPANY
OF CALIFORNIA, LLC
POMONA, CALIFORNIA

Certification Regarding Eligibility
To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance

In accordance with Section 223 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
USC 2273), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for worker adjustment assistance.
In order to make an affirmative determination and issue a
certification of eligibility to apply for Trade Adjustment
Assistance, the group eligibility requirements in either paragraph
(a)(2)(A) or (a)(2)(B) of Section 222 of the Trade Act must be met.
It is determined in this case that the requirements of (a)(2)(A) of
Section 222 have been met.
The investigation was initiated on June 21, 2007 in response
to a petition filed on behalf of workers of Blue Heron Paper
Company of California, LLC, Pomoma, California. The workers
produce newsprint rolls.
The investigation revealed that sales, production, and
employment at the subject firm declined to zero upon closure of the
plant in May of 2007.
The Department of Labor surveyed declining customers of the
subject firm's regarding their purchases of newsprint rolls in
2005, 2006 and January through June 2007. The survey revealed that
respondents either increased imports absolutely while decreasing
purchases from the subject firm, or increased their reliance on
imports in the relevant period.
In accordance with Section 246 the Trade Act of 1974 (26 USC
2813), as amended, the Department of Labor herein presents the
results of its investigation regarding certification of eligibility
to apply for alternative trade adjustment assistance (ATAA) for
older workers.
In order for the Department to issue a certification of
eligibility to apply for ATAA, the group eligibility requirements
of Section 246 of the Trade Act must be met. The Department has
determined in this case that the requirements of Section 246 have
been met.
A significant number of workers at the firm are age 50 or over
and possess skills that are not easily transferable. Competitive
conditions within the industry are adverse.
Conclusion
After careful review of the facts obtained in the
investigation, I determine that increases of imports of articles
like or directly competitive with newsprint produced at Blue Heron
Paper Company of California, LLC, Pomoma, California, contributed
importantly to the total or partial separation of workers and to
the decline in sales or production at that firm or subdivision. In
accordance with the provisions of the Act, I make the following
certification:
"All workers of Blue Heron Paper Company of California, LLC,
Pomoma, California who became totally or partially separated
from employment on or after May 31, 2006 through two years
from the date of certification are eligible to apply for
adjustment assistance under Section 223 of the Trade Act of
1974, and are also eligible to apply for alternative trade
adjustment assistance under Section 246 of the Trade Act of
1974."
Signed in Washington, D. C. this 2nd day of August, 2007


/s/Richard Church
______________________________
RICHARD CHURCH
Certifying Officer, Division of
Trade Adjustment Assistance