NEWS

We regret to inform you that Bill Groah, respected hardwoods industry expert, has passed. In 1958, Bill went to work for DHA's predecessor organization. Bill worked for DHA for 38 years as a wood technologist and oversaw all laboratory and technical activities until his retirement in 1996. His work and expertise in the effects of formaldehyde led to multiple consultations and the crafting of regulations.

The American Hardwood Export Council is working hard to develop the framework that will allow U.S. exporters of hardwoods, before the end of this year, to provide a robust due diligence statement to demonstrate that each shipment of wood is from legal, deforestation-free sources. That said, after a heavy investment of time and effort to create a solution that complies fully with the EUDR, AHEC has concluded that some requirements of the regulation are essentially impossible for the U.S.

U.S. imports of engineered wood flooring have increased, yet again. Year-to-date through May, imports were up by more than 12% in value and 7.6% in volume. Imports from Vietnam led, as the value of imports from Vietnam grew by almost 25% to more than $102 million.

PHOTO © AHF PRODUCTS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a draft document that would open existing forest plans to amendments, creating opportunities to remove more acreage from timber harvest. DHA is providing input to the Hardwood Federation as they submit comments. USDA has facilitated regional meetings to discuss the proposed change; register to attend the summary session on July 31.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a new rule for workplace heat standards due to record-breaking temperatures, especially during the summer. It applies to outdoor and indoor work, imposing four additional requirements on employers when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees.