The beverage industry is leading responsibly and shaping a smaller footprint to protect our environment for generations to come.

We are efficient water users. We account for only a small portion of the nation's overall water usage - just one out of every 3300 gallons withdrawn from ground or surface water sources.

Our beverage containers are 100% recyclable and are among the most recycled consumer packaging in the nation. And we continue to advocate for greater consumer recycling. We became a founding member of the National Recycling Partnership, along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to renew interest in recycling through public education efforts.

Soft drink companies are important to West Virginia's economy. They directly employ more than 2000 West Virginians in well-paid jobs that provide health care and retirement benefits. The soft drink industry contributes more than $360 million to West Virginia's economy. This contribution should be applauded, not taxed.

The soft drink tax is regressive and discriminatory. The Governor's Commission on Fair Taxation, a broad-based group of tax experts, recommended the repeal of the tax. All West Virginians will benefit from following the Commission's recommendation and repealing the tax. West Virginia would enjoy a more equitable tax system and reductions in the cost of doing business are regularly passed along to soft drink consumers.