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As the current Congress and 2022 come to an end, key Republican leaders in the House of Representatives are attempting to cut the funding to list the northern long-eared bat as endangered in the end-of-year funding package. Although the effort is unlikely to be successful, it does draw attention to the challenges the listing could pose for forest products producers and the thousands of communities and families that depend on them. Early next year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to approve the Lake States Region Bat Habitat…

As we enter the final month of 2022, the listing of the northern long-eared bat on the Endangered Species List creates significant uncertainty about our industry's ability to sustainably harvest raw materials. Unfortunately, potential harvest restrictions won't help the bat and would reduce our nation's ability to address climate change by reducing the use of carbon-storing wood products. DHA will continue to work with the Hardwood Federation and other industry allies through implementation processes to reduce any adverse impacts from the…

It’s been said that elections have consequences. And it’s perhaps never been more true than over the last two years when Democrats controlled the White House and narrowly controlled both houses of Congress. As a result, they were able to enact several large spending bills. This big legislation is likely to come to an end with the House appearing to be in Republican hands for now. In any case, Decorative Hardwoods Association will continue to work with both parties to advance our members' interests and the interests of the thousands of…

Trade continues to be an active issue for many DHA members, as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is requesting comments on Section 301 tariffs of 25% on Chinese hardwood plywood and engineered wood flooring. Coalitions representing many DHA members are commenting in support of these tariffs to help level the playing field.

Fall has been an active time, with DHA staff presenting at key industry events telling our industry's story, discussing opportunities, and highlighting the carbon reduction benefits of decorative…

Earlier this month, imports from Asia—particularly China and its partners in illegal trade—posed a different kind of challenge to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, an important association that represents many of our customers. Three large members resigned from KCMA after KCMA's board of directors declined to drop their circumvention case against Chinese cabinets being transshipped through Vietnam and Malaysia. This action comes on the heels of the Commerce Department's recent finding that U.S.