WASHINGTON — President Biden issued an executive order Friday aimed at increasing domestic timber production, citing economic and national security concerns tied to reliance on foreign lumber.
The order directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to streamline regulations, accelerate timber sales, and enhance wildfire prevention through forest management. Agencies are required to submit new guidance within 30 days to facilitate increased timber harvesting.
The order also mandates a review of the Endangered Species Act’s impact on forestry projects and calls for changes to permitting processes to reduce delays in timber production. Agencies have been instructed to consider categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act to expedite logging approvals.
Federal officials must establish new timber production targets within 90 days and review regulatory barriers that limit domestic supply.
The White House says the directive aims to boost economic self-reliance, create jobs, and lower construction costs by reducing dependence on imported wood products.