H-2B Fix in House DHS Spending Bill
Our industry counterparts were successful in implementing an amendment to the existing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy that would direct DHS to release the maximum number of supplemental visas once the visa cap is reached. By changing one word from "may" to "shall", supplemental visas can now be immediately released vs. leaving it to the discretion of the DHS in cooperation with the Department of Labor. This change will expedite the process in learning whether or not you'll receive workers in a timely manner and will reduce uncertainty as businesses are planning out their projects.
Mature and Old Growth Forests Threats Analysis
Recently, the U.S. Forest Service released the final mature and old-growth threats analysis report that addresses threats to old-growth forests on federal lands. The report is in response to the Executive Order issued by President Biden that directed the agency to inventory, identify, and protect mature and old-growth forests on federal lands. The industry is continuously following this issue and will continue to submit comments on this matter as needed.
Farm Bill Framework Released
Last week a framework for the Farm Bill was released, including the Forestry Title, which aims to modernize the Forest Inventory and Analysis program, providing tools for the Forest Service that will improve efficiencies in managing federal forestlands. It also serves to bolster community wood facilities and wood innovation programs to accelerate the use of wood in the built environment.
EUDR
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and Executive Office of the President sent a letter to the European Commission’s (EC) executive vice president urging the commission to delay the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulations (EUDR). The letter cites several critical challenges for U.S. companies in complying with the regulations by December 30, 2024. These concerns echo those of a letter that FRA endorsed, along with several other associations, and was sent to the EC in April.
|