Article Number : 2413 |
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| Date | 9/7/2007 10:03:46 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=2413 |
| Abstract | Washington, DC – The Hardwood Federation (HF), representing over 14,000 small businesses and one million hardwood families, recognizes the office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) for his leadership in sponsoring the Combat Illegal Logging Act... |
| Article | Washington, DC – The Hardwood Federation (HF), representing over 14,000 small businesses and one million hardwood families, recognizes the office of Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) for his leadership in sponsoring the Combat Illegal Logging Act. Illegal logging contributes to deforestation, undermines the viability of legally harvested and traded forest products, and creates unsustainable forest conditions. The Combat Illegal Logging Act is an important step in addressing these global issues. The legislation is a product of industry, environmental and conservation groups coming together to halt the damaging effects of illegal logging to domestic industries and foreign environments. While the world’s forests are jeopardized by illegal harvesting, the hardwood industry also faces unfair business challenges arising from under-priced illegally harvested wood. Our industry is committed to maintaining healthy forests which will supply our prized forest products for generations to come. That commitment is not without costs and investment. Illegally sourced timber effectively exempts the criminal element from paying a fair share – any share – for the protections provided by environmental laws and regulations. Earlier this year, the Hardwood Federation thanked Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) for his introduction of similar legislation which began the debate on the illegal logging issue in the U.S. House of Representatives. HF Board Member and President of Northland Forest Products, Jamey French said, "I strongly believe we are on the correct track to address the international problem of illegal logging. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of this remarkable industry environmental coalition, and thank Senator Wyden and Congressman Blumenauer for their leadership and support in bringing action and attention to this critical issue.” |