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By Oregon State Senator Daniel Bonham
President Trump has issued a new executive order aimed at expanding logging on federal lands—a move that could bring jobs and economic relief to Oregon’s struggling timber industry. But there’s just one problem: Oregon’s leadership is likely to fight it every step of the way.
A little background:
- Oregon’s once-thriving timber industry has been strangled by federal restrictions and radical environmental policies.
- Increased logging could reduce wildfire risks, create jobs, and bring much-needed revenue to rural communities.
- But state officials, led by Governor Kotek, will likely oppose any effort to increase timber production, despite its clear economic benefits.
Our state needs to support sound policies that protect our natural resources through measured reform. Our environment is too precious to not take decisive action.