NEWS

The House Natural Resources Committee approved the Standardizing Permitting and Enhancing Economic Development Act with bipartisan support. The bill would streamline National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting reviews by narrowing their scope to direct impacts, imposing strict timelines, and limiting legal challenges. The goal is to bring greater clarity to the permitting process and more certainty to investments. 

The EU Parliament voted 402–250 to delay and simplify the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Key elements include a proposed one-year delay for all EU businesses until December 30, 2026. Small and micro businesses will receive an additional six-month delay until June 30, 2027. The Commission will conduct a simplification review by April 30, 2026, which could present opportunities for changes that would benefit U.S. businesses.

With the federal government reopened, we are finally getting trade data through August. The volume of U.S. imports of hardwood plywood has grown by 21.7%; the dollar value is up by nearly 23%. Imports from Indonesia and Vietnam have grown by 63% and 44%, respectively.

PHOTO © JERRY GLASER, USCBP

Decorative Hardwoods Association (formerly HPVA) eNews Volume XVIII, Issue XXIII: U.S. Imports Of Hardwood Plywood Surge By 22% | EU Votes To Delay EUDR | Permitting Reform Bill Advances | EPA Will Revise Definition Of Waters Of The U.S.

Which three U.S. states have the most federal forestland?

Answer: Alaska leads with nearly 22 million acres of national forest land, followed by California and Idaho, with 20.8 million acres and 20.4 million acres, respectively. 

PHOTO © AMY LI, USFS