NEWS

On May 29, USDA announced a $200 million investment to implement the U.S. Forest Service's National Active Forest Management Strategy. USDA stated that the new strategy is a key initiative that will increase timber harvest, improve forest health and productivity, reduce wildfire risk, and support rural economies.

PHOTO © USFS AMI LI

For decades, environmental reviews have been used to delay projects and development. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled to narrow the scope of environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act. Now, federal agencies will assess only the direct environmental effects of a project instead of the broader indirect impacts.

The new National Active Forest Management Strategy aims to modernize forest management practices to meet the U.S. demand for timber, reduce the risk of wildfire, and support rural economies. It aligns with the executive order that directs the U.S. Forest Service to expand timber production and streamline regulations.

EU member states have urged the European Commission to establish a "zero-risk country category" within the EU's anti-deforestation regulation, the EUDR. The designation would exempt countries with minimal deforestation risk from the most stringent compliance and reporting obligations. The proposal won the support of 19 EU member states, reflecting a broad commitment to simplify regulations while protecting the environment.

PHOTO © USFS Chris Warner

On May 22, the Coalition for Fair Trade in Hardwood Plywood petitioned for antidumping and countervailing duties to counter unfair trade practices by Indonesia, Vietnam, and China. These petitions, filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission, have significant implications for the U.S. economy, in which hardwood plywood plays a critical role.