Trump orders intended to boost production of domestic lumber

President Donald Trump recently issued new executive orders to increase production of domestic lumber.

One order directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to issue new guidance for increased timber production on federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest system. Currently, timber harvesting on federal land requires thorough environmental assessments that could be reduced or eliminated under Trump’s directive. The action drew sharp criticism from environmental organizations.

The second executive order directs the Commerce Secretary to investigate whether imports from Canada and other countries compromise national security. Trump wants the secretary to investigate factors such as domestic demand, the capacity of U.S. production, the role of foreign supply chains, and the impact of foreign government subsidies and trade practices.

Canada is the largest supplier of lumber to the U.S. As of 2017, Canada supplied 91% of U.S. lumber imports.