Press Releases
ICYMI: Womack Works to Ban Timber Imports From RussiaWomack recently supported the introduction of the No Timber From Tyrants Act as an original cosponsor
Washington,
April 11, 2022
Washington, DC – April 11, 2022....Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today announced he helped introduce the No Timber From Tyrants Act. This legislation would prohibit imports of forest products from Russia and Belarus while ramping up responsible harvesting of American timber to create new jobs, produce more sustainable wood products, and make U.S. federal lands more resilient to catastrophic wildfires. Congressman Womack said, “America should play no part in subsidizing Putin's brutal war machine. Banning the import of all Russian timber severs another level of this tyrant’s resources, dealing a blow to further isolate a murderous regime. While defending freedom, it will also boost American enterprise, jobs, and promote more sustainable timber production. I’m proud to help introduce this important measure and urge its immediate consideration on the House floor.” Background: In 2021, the U.S. imported more than half-a-billion dollars’ worth of wood products from Russia ($459 million) and Belarus ($52 million). Russia is the world’s fourth largest exporter of wood, and wood exports are a $12 billion industry for President Vladimir Putin. Since Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, global forest certification systems have begun classifying wood products from Russia and Belarus as "conflict lumber." As U.S. leadership looks for ways to cut off resources funding Putin’s war, wood products are an obvious way to further economically isolate Russia while simultaneously supporting American businesses. To replace this conflict timber, the No Timber From Tyrants Act will increase responsible harvesting on federal lands in the amount necessary to make up for lost imports. Securing American independence from wood supplied from Russia and Belarus will greatly enhance American forest management and create vitally important economic opportunities for rural communities to produce more American wood products. Harvesting more wood products in the U.S. under rigorous environmental standards will also help address our nation's current wildfire crisis by supporting more active management to improve forest health and reduce the risk and severity of catastrophic wildfires. Read the full bill here. A quote sheet with statements from other supportive members and organizations here. Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. ### |