Legislative Log

from June 2020 Hardwood Matters

by National Hardwood Lumber Association

Inside NHLA

ADVOCACY IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

byDANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation

The spread of the COVID-19 virus has dramatically impacted our preconceived notions of family, work, recreation, government and indeed our entire economy. As I write this in early May, how and when we move to restart the economy following such a devastating health crisis is still very unclear. However, what is clear is that we are certainly heading towards a new normal.

The Hardwood Federation has been closely tracking developments related to legislation addressing the COVID-19 crisis and will continue to do so. Our most recent focus has been on the implementation of the various relief programs that have been enacted, and looking forward to any future measures that may be introduced. While we spearhead and drive advocacy efforts directly related to hardwoods, when we face a challenge as all-encompassing as the COVID-19 virus: we must double down on coordination with all our allies from the wood products industry to maximize our impact and positive outcomes. Work around travel restrictions and locked down office buildings, we must explore new ways to communicate and keep our message top of mind with federal policy makers.

Since coming to the Hardwood Federation, I have been active in a group of DC-based forest products association executives who have met regularly to discuss issues of common interest and identify ways to work together. This group includes all sectors of the wood products industry: associations that represent the landowners that supply our raw materials, foresters that help us manage the land and companies that make and transport finished products. Participating groups include the American Forest and Paper Association, the American

Forest Foundation, the National Alliance of Forest Owners, the American Wood Council, the National Association of State Foresters, the Forest Resource Association, the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, and several others. The COVID-19 crisis has illuminated the need for the group to work even more closely together.

Since the early stages of the emerging crisis, I have joined my peer executives on regular web-based meetings. We have identified key areas of common interest we can pursue with Congress, and created joint communication pieces explaining the value and importance of the industry to the U.S. economy, its recovery from the COVID crisis and the need to maintain and expand domestic and international markets for U.S. wood products. Additional measures include promoting the need to support the financial survival of mills, the industry’s ability to retain employees, and the safety measures that already exist as well as those that are needed to continue wood product operations.

We are also signing letters, individually and as a group, to Congress and the Administration that advocate for action that would support the hardwood industry including continued recognition of the entire wood products supply chain as an essential component of fighting the COVID-19 virus.

Meetings with Congress and the Administration have also continued, although they are no longer in-person. Conference calls are frequent, but the use of web-based video conferencing is quickly becoming the preferred method of communicating in Washington, D.C. At first, I was concerned that this would limit opportunities to present hardwood priorities and concerns, but so far, that has not been a problem. In fact, because these virtual gatherings are usually carefully moderated and kept on a strict schedule, everyone gets a chance to speak and the side bar conversations and diversions from the topic at hand are much less likely to happen. While politics will always be best one-on-one, there appears to be benefits of embracing some new options. The Hardwood Federation is thinking about ways we can make these opportunities available to more members of the industry.

The Federation will continue to pursue and advocate for legislation that addresses our priority issues. Continuing to work with our allies in Washington and exploring new and powerful ways to communicate to ensure that our message is heard are two important steps. A third essential step is our commitment to continue to communicate with our member associations, including NHLA, and to make sure they have the information they need to communicate with their members. Thank you for your support during these extraordinary times. We will continue our efforts so the industry will emerge and thrive in the world after COVID.