The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” e-newsletter to maintain the business up-to-date on the most recent information from Washington D.C. Try the November thirtieth version under and join to obtain your copy.

Hardwoods Take E.U. Deforestation Guidelines to the U.S. Commerce Consultant

On November 28, the Hardwood Federation and the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) met with officers on the USTR to debate the business’s issues in regards to the E.U.’s now remaining deforestation guidelines that amongst different issues, would require geo-location of fiber included within the manufacture of wooden merchandise. This follows an informational session for forestry allies on October 30 the place the AHEC workforce shared their difficult experiences working with the E.U. and proposed options for assembly the usual. The USTR agrees with the hardwood business (and different impacted industries) that the rule is ailing conceived and virtually unattainable to stick to. Additionally they shared their ongoing efforts to push again on the rule and requested that we maintain them appraised on efforts to have interaction E.U. business companions. The Hardwood Federation will maintain you posted on developments as they unfold.

Congressional “To Do” Record Stacks Up Earlier than Holidays

With Congress kicking off a two-week dash for its break presently scheduled to start on Friday, December 15, lawmakers have a number of key votes to solid earlier than leaving Washington. Along with persevering with negotiations to handle the FY 2024 price range earlier than expiration of the present Persevering with Decision (CR), Congress additionally must reauthorize the Nationwide Protection Authorization Act, the standard car for mass timber applications. There’s additionally mounting strain from the enterprise group to handle taxes. Different payments heading for a possible logjam embrace passage of the remaining 9 Senate and 7 Home FY 2024 appropriations payments and potential supplemental funding for Ukraine assist and border safety.

Hardwoods, U.S. Chamber Evaluation NEPA Laws

On November 29, the U.S. Chamber performed a coalition assembly that includes Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), who co-introduced the “Finding out NEPA’s Affect on Initiatives Act” H.R. 6129 with Rep. Jim Panetta (D-CA).  The invoice promotes transparency within the federal allowing course of by requiring the White Home Council on Environmental High quality to compile a report on NEPA-related litigation, together with a breakdown of their outcomes, to reveal frivolous lawsuits that may add a number of years to the NEPA assessment course of. It might additionally require reporting of combination web page counts for permits and account for the size of time used to provide Environmental Affect Statements (EIS), which type the idea of NEPA permits. Rep. Yakym hopes to advance the invoice by driving co-sponsors and probably attaching it to a FY 2024 appropriations invoice.

Supply: Hardwood Federation