President Orders Fast-Track Expansion of US Timber Harvesting
Published Date: 3/6/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The President is ordering a quick boost in American timber production to create jobs, lower construction costs, and reduce wildfire risks. Federal agencies have 30 to 60 days to update rules and suggest new laws that make it easier to harvest timber and manage forests better. This move aims to cut reliance on imported wood, protect the environment, and strengthen the economy—all happening right now!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Boost Timber to Lower Building Costs
On March 1, 2025 the President ordered a quick increase in American timber production to create jobs, lower construction costs, and reduce wildfire risks. The order directs Federal agencies to act immediately to expand domestic timber supply and reduce reliance on imported lumber.
60-Day ESA Strategy to Speed Approvals
Within 60 days of March 1, 2025 the Secretary of the Interior (FWS) and the Secretary of Commerce (Fisheries) must complete a strategy to improve the speed of approving USFS and BLM forestry projects under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536), and examine delegations or propose legislation to streamline consultations if necessary.
90-Day Timber Sale Targets Set
Within 90 days of March 1, 2025 the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture must submit a plan to the President setting a target for the annual amount of timber to be offered for sale over the next 4 years from Federal lands managed by BLM and USFS, measured in millions of board feet.
NEPA Categorical Exclusions to Cut Delays
The order directs that within 180 days (from March 1, 2025) the Secretaries consider adopting categorical exclusions established by other agencies to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and reduce lengthy processes and costs; and within 280 days consider establishing a new categorical exclusion for timber thinning and re-establishing one for timber salvage activities.
30-Day Guidance to Speed Harvesting
Within 30 days of March 1, 2025 the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture must each issue new or updated guidance to facilitate increased timber production and reduce the time and uncertainty to deliver timber. The guidance may use tools like Good Neighbor Authority (16 U.S.C. 2113a), stewardship contracting (16 U.S.C. 6591c), and Tribal Forest Protection Act agreements (25 U.S.C. 3115a).
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