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.
Industry Urges Administration to Prevent Strike at Eastern, Gulf Ports
On September 17, the Hardwood Federation joined 176 industry groups and partners in the ocean shipping coalition in a letter to urge the Biden Administration to engage dock workers and port terminal operators and avoid a strike following the upcoming expiration of the current labor contract on September 30. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), representing dock workers, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents ocean carriers and port terminal operators, have until the end of the month to resolve contract differences, where negotiations have stalled over worker compensation and automation with respect to operations on the East and Gulf coasts. Closure of these ports, which handle “more than 68% of all containerized exports and more than 56% of containerized imports,” according to the National Association of Manufacturers, would paralyze the nation’s supply chains. The letter calls upon “the administration to immediately work with both parties to resume contract negotiations and ensure there is no disruption to port operations and cargo fluidity if a new contract is not reached by the expiration date.” The Hardwood Federation will keep you posted on developments.
Industry Opposes Old Growth Amendments to Forest Management Plans
The Hardwood Federation has filed comments with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), urging federal regulators to reject environmental assessments that will open the door to amendment of forest management plans. This would open the door to adopting a “one-size-fits-all” definition for “old growth forest” that will remove even more acreage from sustainable management. As an alternative approach, industry argues that the USDA should continue to address the old growth issue through the locally led forest planning process, governed by the 2012 Planning Rule. Such an approach promotes transparency and best forestry practices that account for the high degree of variability in old growth forests. Furthermore, industry is concerned that undertaking wholesale amendment of existing forest plans will further strain agency resources which are already burdened by work related to wildfire mitigation.
Amplify Your Voice in Washington, D.C.! Please consider a corporate contribution to the Hardwood Federation to support services related to the Hardwood Federation’s activities that promote the U.S. hardwood industry through advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and the administration. For more information, please click here.