October 9, 2024 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) –
More than 20 forestry-related bills are currently advancing through Congress and state legislatures in the United States, with 14 pieces of legislation introduced in September alone. The focus of the bills includes wildland management, enhanced protections for forests, and forest certification requirements, all of which could potentially impact the forestry industry.
Key bills include:
- US HB8790. The Fix Our Forests Act aims to restore resilience to overgrown, fire-prone areas within the National Forest System, Bureau of Land Management, and Tribal lands.
- MA H3229. This bill prohibits public and ratepayer funding for clearcutting forests and woodlands to develop solar energy facilities in Massachusetts.
- MA H752. The proposal establishes protected old-growth forest reserves on state-owned land in Massachusetts.
- ME LD1985. The bill in Maine allows removal of forest certification requirements from the state's forest management plans but mandates Forest Stewardship Council certification.
- NY A09711. This measure establishes supply chain transparency and requires companies contracting with the state of New York to refrain from contributing to tropical forest degradation or deforestation.
The Fix Our Forests Act is the most controversial of the new bills and faces opposition from over 90 environmental groups and civil justice organizations. A key aspect of the legislation is an amendment that exempts the U.S. Forest Service from the requirement to re-consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding new data under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The bill is currently moving through the U.S. House of Representatives.
Environmental group Earthjustice is urging the Senate to reject the measure. The group argues that the legislation serves as a “Trojan horse” for undermining environmental laws like the ESA and could lead to “reckless logging operations.”
Proposed legislation can present both new opportunities and risks. However, many businesses lack the resources to monitor legislation that may affect their operations. Legislation Monitor from Industry Intelligence Inc provides the essential information business leaders need to make informed decisions.
Designed for forest managers, carbon investors, and forest products manufacturers, Legislation Monitor delivers real-time updates on U.S. forestry-related legislation. It includes bill histories, sponsor tracking, AI-generated summaries, related news connections, and expert analysis.
Don’t get caught off guard by new legislation. Learn more with our interactive Legislation Monitor demo at https://www.industryintel.com/legislation-monitor.
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