Decades of progress in environmental laws and regulations could be revoked by President Trump’s executive order titled, “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.”
According to the executive order posted on the White House’s official website, “timber production is essential for crucial human activities like construction and energy production.” This can be acknowledged as paper, pencils, construction materials, and many household items are made of wood or its cellulose fibers.
The order further states that, “as recent disasters demonstrate, forest management and wildfire risk reduction projects can save American lives and communities.” The Forest Service and National Park Service (NPS) both work to prevent and control wildfires.
However, contrary to the statement that the work of these agencies is valuable and necessary, approximately 4,400 workers on public land, National Park Service (NPS) and Forest Service were fired. It is a conflicting action to the words of this executive order, as the Trump administration seeks to cut forest and wildifire management staffing despite the obvious need for wildfire support.
Additionally, the executive order outlines the timeline for various government departments. Among these, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior must work to create a plan for a faster permitting process. Any current logging and environmental regulations, and protections that could slow down the permitting process may be revoked.
Furthermore, the order cites, “Our inability to fully exploit our domestic timber supply” has “contributed to wildfire disasters, degraded fish and wildlife habitats.”
If the domestic timber supply is fully exploited as this executive order demands, it could lead to a loss of habitat for wildlife. Which is inconsistent with the executive order being posed as an environmental solution and demonstrates a disregard for the environment by bypassing laws and regulations.
Logging could reduce the amount of certain tree species, reducing the diversity within a forest. Aside from being a habitat for animals, trees absorb carbon, and help water remain within the ecosystem. With global temperatures and water scarcity increasing, preservation of forests is necessary.
The bypassing of environmental protections and timber harvesting regulations further demonstrate that this project is not made with the interest of keeping communities safe, or helping the environment. Rather, it prioritizes efficiency and profit.
Regardless of political affiliation, everyone should be concerned about the threats to environmental regulations that this executive order poses; no group of people will be safe from the destruction of climate change-related disasters.
