Washington, DC— Today the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) commends Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) for his leadership in ending illegal logging worldwide by supporting the “Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007.” The bill is a critical step in halting the damaging effects of illegal logging on international trade and the environment.

The practice of illegal logging costs developing countries billions of dollars in lost revenue while increasing costs for legitimate, legal producers of timber and timber products. Additionally, unregulated logging ignores environmental constraints and can damage protected habitats.

AF&PA led the way by joining with Conservation International in March 2005 to create the Alliance to Combat Illegal Logging. AF&PA was also a strong supporter of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in November by the U.S. and Indonesia which commits both countries to combating illegal logging. More recently, AF&PA joined with the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), an international leader in the fight against illegal logging, to seek a workable legislative approach to this problem.

AF&PA President & CEO Donna Harman said, “We are pleased that this legislation has been introduced and recognizes the ‘lose-lose’ effects of illegal logging. We appreciate the efforts and leadership of Senator Wyden, who has taken steps to shed light on this growing problem. We are also grateful for the efforts of Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), who has been a leader on this important issue in the House of Representatives.

“Our member companies take pride in sustainable forestry and environmental stewardship. When illegally harvested timber enters the U.S., it nullifies those efforts, and it deprives developing countries from important economic gains. This legislation will start to correct those imbalances.”

AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, paper, and wood products industry. AF&PA represents companies and related associations that engage in or represent the manufacture of pulp, paper, paperboard, and wood products. The forest products industry accounts for approximately 6 percent of total U.S. manufacturing output, and employs over one million people. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org.