The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the latest edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
Senators Grapple with Energy Permitting Streamlines
The plot thickens as senators consider a temporary funding bill to extend federal government operations into December, while weighing a not-yet-released framework of energy permit fixes sought by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV). Although Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) promised to deliver abbreviated environmental reviews and clean water permit flexibility to Sen. Manchin in exchange for his support for the Inflation Reduction Act, it appears Democrats will need GOP support to assure passage. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced this week that he would oppose the measure, while Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) piled on by releasing her own bill, throwing doubts on the amount of GOP supporters the Manchin vehicle might gain. Senators have until September 30 to figure it out, when funding for the current fiscal year comes to an end.
Fish/Wildlife Service Moves on Tri-Colored Bat Regulation
On September 13, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed to list the tricolored bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, as a result of major population decreases caused by white-nose syndrome. The proposal could lead to new rules expanding buffer zones within the bat’s habitat and seasonal restrictions on forest management practices. USFWS will accept comments on the proposal through November 14, 2022. The Hardwood Federation will offer comments similar to those submitted regarding similar action on the Northern Long Eared Bat.
HFPAC Kicks into High Gear
With Congress having returned to Washington for the fall session, HFPAC is making the rounds this week supporting industry champions. Events on the books include those for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), the likely GOP Conference Chair next year; Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), who is active on the Natural Resources Committee; Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), a longtime industry ally facing a tough race in November; and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), an influential swing vote on any major bill moving through Congress. Later in the month, HFPAC will also be meeting with Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV), who oversees tax legislation, and Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), who will be playing a key role writing the farm bill next year, just to name a few candidates.
Source: Hardwood Federation