The Lacey Act Means Jobs for U.S. Forestry and U.S. Forest Products October 11, 2011
Dear Member of Congress, In recent weeks, the Lacey Act has come under scrutiny because of an enforcement case pertaining to the importation of certain wood products into the United States. We cannot comment on a pending investigation, but we want to highlight the important role the Lacey Act plays in fighting illegal logging and supporting jobs and markets for the U.S. forest products industry. We urge that no legislative action be taken to diminish the contributions of the Lacey Act to these important objectives. Our organizations are committed to maintaining healthy forests in the United States and abroad and stemming the influx of under-priced, illegally harvested wood and wood products into U.S. markets. Illegal logging threatens U.S. jobs by allowing unfair competition in wood commodities throughout the world and destroys the world’s forests. There are ongoing efforts with a broad consensus group working with the Agencies to ensure successful implementation of the law without creating unnecessary burdens. A 2004 report on illegal logging prepared on behalf of the American Forest & Paper Association found that up to 10% of global timber production was suspected to be illegally produced and that a significant portion entered international trade either as finished products or raw materials. The report further estimated that global illegal logging contributed approximately $1 billion annually in economic losses to the U.S. forest products industry both in terms of lower exports and depressed U.S. wood prices. Our view is shared by U.S. industry, environmental, conservation, and labor organizations that all recognize that the Lacey Act drives demand for legally sourced timber to markets such as the U.S. where the forest products industry is a leader in sustainable forest practices. The U.S. forest products industry produces about $175 billion in products annually and employs nearly 900,000 men and women in good paying jobs. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $50 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 47 states. Our industry is already challenged by economic and regulatory uncertainties. Because the Lacey Act benefits the U.S. forest products industry and its workers, we the undersigned ask for your support to ensure the Lacey Act remains intact and continues to ensure level competition for U.S. wood products and the preservation of U.S. jobs. Signed, American Forest Foundation American Forest & Paper Association American Hardwood Export Council Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association Empire States Forest Products Association Hardwood Federation Hardwood Manufacturers Association Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association
Kentucky Forest Industries Association Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Lake States Lumber Association National Alliance of Forest Owners National Hardwood Lumber Association National Wood Flooring Association Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association Western Hardwood Association