Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to C. R., March 13, 1997

Congress of tfje ®mteb Rentes Slouer of S&eprcsrntatibcs (ffiJastjmgton, 23C 20515-2002 March 13, 1997 Thank you for expressing to me your concerns regarding the so-called “timber salvage rider” as well as your support of legislation to repeal it. President Clinton signed the timber salvage rider into law as part of the 1995 Budget Rescissions Act. The rider facilitates the sale of salvage timber on lands controlled by the Forest Service by streamlining environmental compliance and reporting procedures. It specifically targets dead and diseased trees; trees susceptible to fire or insect attack; and associated trees. Proponents of the rider argue that it will improve the health of older forests by reducing the number of sickly trees in vulnerable ecosystems. As you are aware, H. R. 2745, a bill currently pending in Congress, would repeal the timber salvage riders. While I believe the federal government must take appropriate steps to preserve our nation’s forests, I question whether repealing the timber salvage provision entirely is the best course of action for a number of reasons. First, the timber industry is vitally important to the economy of the United States. The timber salvage provision has been directly responsible for creating 16,000 jobs and generating $300 million to the U. S. Treasury. At the recent 7th American Forest Congress-a body consisting of 1,400 woodland owners, conservationists, and other individuals interested in the continued health of our nation’s forests — a resolution calling for repeal of the rider was overwhelmingly rejected. Second, I am not convinced that the rider weakens the ability of federal agencies to protect our nation’s forests, as some environmentalists have claimed. Under the rider, salvage sales must be accompanied by a biological evaluation and an environmental assessment before logging can begin. Federal officials may, therefore, halt logging activities before they begin if environmental considerations warrant. We must take a balanced approach with respect to our nation’s forests — one which protects both the environment and jobs. Accordingly, I support a legislative improvement to the timber salvage rider, advanced by Senators Mark Hatfield and Slade Gorton, which would provide federal agencies with additional discretion for modifying timber sales in the Pacific Northwest. I am confident these veteran legislators know best how to resolve an issue which so directly affects the health and livelihood of their constituents. With respect to the bill you mentioned, the “Act to Save America’s Forests,” please be assured that I will keep your views in mind as this bill progresses through the legislative process. Thanks again for your input on this issue. Feel free to contact me again if I may be of assistance in the future. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress