Wisconsin State Legislature Passes Lawsuit Abuse Reform

The Wisconsin State Legislature has recently received praise from the trucking industry for implementing a sensible reform in the state's civil litigation system. This reform involves capping non-economic damage awards at $1 million, which the industry believes is crucial in maintaining fairness and balance in civil litigation. By limiting these subjective, nonmonetary losses, the industry aims to discourage abusive and frivolous lawsuits that have turned the system into a lucrative profit center for the plaintiffs' bar.

Chris Spear, the President and CEO of American Trucking Associations, emphasized the negative impact of turning civil litigation into a game of 'jackpot justice' by the plaintiffs' bar. He highlighted that the costs of such practices are ultimately borne by everyone, including trucking companies and consumers who face higher insurance rates and prices for everyday goods. Spear expressed that this reform promotes justice and fairness as the driving forces behind accident litigation outcomes rather than profits.

The legislation, known as SB 613, was approved by the State Assembly through a voice vote and by the State Senate with a 21-11 majority. It is now awaiting Governor Tony Evers' signature.

Wisconsin's trucking industry plays a significant role in providing middle-class jobs, with around 183,780 individuals employed in the sector across the state.

Inconsistent Federal Transportation Policy Hurting the Economy and Environment

The U.S. Federal Transportation Policy is a disjointed, bureaucratic hodgepodge of restrictions and requirements lacking consistency across the states, imposed under the extortive threat of federal funding losses.

What weighs more? A ton of milk or a ton of logs?

A ton is still a ton, there is no difference. Why, then, can a truck hauling milk carry heavier loads than a truck carrying logs on the Federal Interstate? This is but one example of the vagaries of a federal policy that allows specific commodities exemptions or authorization to carry more weight on the Federal Interstate System.

In many areas, there is a wide disparity between the speed and weight limits on state and interstate roadways, even when compared with other Interstate Highways. For instance, in New England states, trucks hauling timber are authorized to access the Federal Interstate System at 100,000 pounds. Meanwhile, on a specific 23-mile corridor of federal interstate in Minnesota, trucks are allowed to haul timber up to 99,000 pounds. Other sections of the interstate in different states are grandfathered in at higher weights than the standard Interstate weight limit.

Are particular Federal Interstate Highways in New England or other states built to a different engineering standard than federal interstates in other states?

The answer is no, they are all built to the same standards. Similar bureaucratic manipulation is apparent with the Electric Vehicle push. The heavier electric semi-trucks would by law have been forced to carry less cargo, thus increasing transportation costs which would be passed onto the consumer. But EV semi-trucks have now been authorized to carry 2,000 more pounds (4,000 in Europe) to accommodate the heavier batteries of the EV semi-trucks. So again, what weighs more? Batteries or logs?

Optimum transportation weights are recognized as a major contributing factor in maximizing transportation efficiency, reducing consumer costs, and improving safety while resulting in less carbon emissions. Transportation engineering studies have recognized the opportunity to safely increase truck weights on the federal interstate system. Congress has established precedents with carve-outs and exemptions in select states for specific commodities, routes, and weights. Globally, other countries and regions, specifically Canada and the European Union, allow for heavier weight limits on their roadways.

Why doesn’t Congress and the Administration establish competitive, efficient, and uniform weight standards for the federal interstate system?

It seems that the influence and targeted opposition of the railroad lobbyists are derailing (pun intended) the overriding goals of the Transportation Department to provide safe and efficient avenues for the nation. It would be much better for our national transportation goals if the railroad industry invested in their equipment, tracks, and safety instead of investing in politicians. With the history of accidents and hazardous chemical spills exposing communities to life-threatening situations, the railways have plenty to focus on.

This year Congress has the opportunity to put the economy, environment, and public safety above monopolistic railroad interests by supporting the Safe Routes Act of 2023. This Bill has been introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Failure to pass the Safe Routes Act of 2023 will continue to expose the public to unnecessary safety risks, increase consumer product costs, generate more carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change by requiring the use of more fossil fuels.

The question for Congress and the Administration is simple – Are you going to establish uniform, consistent, and fair Federal Transportation Policies across the country, or are you going to continue to allow unelected lobbyists to dictate transportation policy at the expense of the general public?

The Administration and many in Congress profess wanting to reduce fossil fuel use, reduce carbon emissions, improve the economy, create rural jobs, and support general welfare and safety. This is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to these priorities by passing the Safe Routes Act of 2023. Choosing not to support the Safe Routes Act of 2023 would be a demonstration of whose best interest is being served by our elected officials.

Commonsense Wildfire Solutions Start With Active Forest Management

The Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a legislative hearing promoting solutions to address the catastrophic wildfires that plague American forests. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany issued the following statement in response:

"America desperately needs solutions to the catastrophic wildfire and forest health crisis decimating our federal lands and forests year after year. The four forestry bills the Federal Lands Subcommittee held a hearing on today will cut red tape, put an end to frivolous litigation, address the Biden border crisis by cutting off illegal marijuana cultivation from cartels on our federal lands, and save lives and land through wildfire prevention. Republicans remain committed to advancing real, concrete, and scientific solutions to better manage our federal forests."

The Subcommittee on Federal Lands had a hearing on four bills:

1. H.R. 200 (Rep. Rosendale), “Forest Information Reform (FIR) Act”

2. H.R. 1473 (Rep. Peters), “Targeting and Offsetting Existing Illegal Contaminants Act”

3. H.R. 1567 (Rep. Tiffany), “Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions (ACRES) Act”

4. H.R. 1586 (Rep. LaMalfa), “Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI) and Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR) at the 76th Annual Great Lakes Timber Association Logging Expo in Green Bay.

Due to burdensome regulation, frivolous litigation and unnecessary red tape, national forests and public lands face historically devastating fire seasons yearly.

Forest Information Reform Act: The Cottonwood Environmental Law Center v. U.S. Forest Service decision has caused unnecessary and burdensome bureaucratic hurdles, ultimately resulting in the weaponization of the legal system by environmental activists. Delays on land management projects due to this decision have had devastating impacts, including the Hermits Peak Fire in New Mexico, the largest and most destructive wildfire in the state’s history. The Forest Information Reform Act will create a permanent solution to problems created by the Cottonwood decision.

Targeting and Offsetting Illegal Containments Act: Illegal cannabis cultivation sites result in significant environmental degradation, harm to wildlife, increased crime and catastrophic wildfires. The Targeting and Offsetting Illegal Containments Act aims to eliminate the environmental destruction from illegal cannabis growing operations in federal forests.

Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions (ACRES) Act: The three worst wildfire seasons on record all occurred in the last decade, with each burning more than 10 million acres. Unfortunately, the Forest Service only treats approximately 2 million acres a year, largely due to inaccurate reporting and a lack of transparency. The Accurately Counting Risk Elimination Solutions (ACRES) Act provides a way to hold federal land management agencies accountable, to see the work they are doing to reduce the amount of fuel for wildfires on our public lands and determine the effectiveness of the fuel reduction work.

Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023: As America faces a wildfire crisis and rapidly intensifying fire seasons, it's increasingly important for firefighters to have the tools they need to effectively fight wildfires. Serial litigation is threatening the use of fire retardant, in use since the 1950s and approved by the EPA, a critical tool for those putting their lives on the line to fight fires. The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023 ensures the brave men and women protecting public lands can retain access to this important tool in their firefighting arsenal. 

SOURCE: WWW.NATURALRESOURCES.HOUSE.GOV

MEDIA CONTACT: REBEKAH HOSHIKO (202) 225-2761

Spanberger, Gallagher Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support America’s Trucking Industry, Address Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges

Their Bipartisan Bill Would Create a Refundable Income Tax Credit for America’s Commercial Truck Drivers to Tackle a Chronic Workforce Shortage.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI-08) today reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to help address America’s truck driver shortage by establishing a refundable income tax credit for qualified commercial truck drivers.

 In 2021, American trucking companies experienced a record deficit of approximately 80,000 drivers due to hiring and retention challenges. In Virginia and Wisconsin, many trucking companies have struggled to hire drivers without offering bonuses or increased wages to qualified drivers. And to further compound this shortage, the median age of U.S. truck drivers now sits between 51 and 52-years old. This shortage has impacted all American consumers through more expensive shipping costs and delays.

 The bipartisan Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act would provide a short-term, fast, and straightforward incentive to attract and retain new drivers. Specifically, the Spanberger-Gallagher bill would create a two-year refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for truck drivers holding a valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) who drive at least 1,900 hours in the year. Additionally, it would help get more Americans on the road by establishing new incentives for Americans to enter registered trucking apprenticeships.

 “During the pandemic, truckers didn’t have any remote options — yet they went to work every single day to keep our economy moving and our communities strong. Our country needs to step up and recognize their hard work — and we need to encourage more Americans to enter this industry,” said Spanberger. “Throughout Virginia, I hear about the need to address our chronic truck driver shortage. Our bipartisan bill would help bring more drivers into the fold, keep them on the highway, and reward them for their loyalty. I want to thank Congressman Gallagher for his continued partnership on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing more young Americans hop in the driver’s seat.”

 “The truck driving industry is facing a massive workforce shortage that’s disrupting nearly every aspect of our supply chains,” said Gallagher. “We need to encourage more young men and women to join this career path, and this bipartisan bill is a common sense way to recruit and retain more drivers to keep our shelves stocked and our economy moving.”

 Spanberger and Gallagher first introduced their bipartisan bill in April 2022.

The Spanberger-Gallagher legislation is endorsed by the American Trucking Associations, American Loggers Council, Virginia Trucking Association, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Loggers Association, Virginia Agribusiness Council, National Grocers Association, International Foodservice Distributors Association, American Building Materials Alliance, Forest Resources Association, Hardwood Federation, Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America, Third Way, and National Pork Producers Council.

 “Reducing the nationwide shortage of qualified truck drivers will require investment in developing the next generation of trucking talent. Even as driver pay continues to rise at a historic clip, the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act will provide even more incentive for those considering a career in trucking but by providing substantial tax credits to reduce their federal tax liabilities. The bill also would provide relief for Americans currently driving trucks, helping the industry retain these essential workers. This bipartisan legislation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of new truckers, helping them move into one of the few professions in today’s economy that can provide a middle-class lifestyle without the time and expense of a four-year college degree. ATA thanks Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Mike Gallagher for their leadership on this critical issue and for being strong advocates for America’s truck drivers,” said Chris Spear, President & CEO, American Trucking Associations.

 “Raw material transportation is the weak link in the forest products industry supply chain. These challenges are compounded by a lack of drivers, escalating fuel prices, crisis level insurance premiums, unique operational conditions, and demographics. It is imperative that actions be taken to improve the opportunities to attract truck drivers into the industry. Without drivers nothing moves. Therefore, the American Loggers Council strongly supports the bipartisan Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act sponsored by Representatives Abigail Spanberger and Mike Gallagher. This legislation will provide the necessary incentives to support the ‘pipeline’ of drivers,” said Scott Dane, Executive Director, American Loggers Council.

 “The pandemic and supply chain issues have shown us the importance of having an adequate supply of qualified truck drivers.  The trucking industry currently has a shortage of nearly 80,000 drivers and the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act provides a short-term, fast, and straightforward incentive to retain and attract new and former drivers.  We applaud Reps. Spanberger and Gallagher for this effort to enhance trucking’s workforce and the efficiency of our nation’s supply chain,”  said P. Dale Bennett, President & CEO, Virginia Trucking Association.

 “The Virginia Loggers Association strongly supports the reintroduction of the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act legislation in the 118th Congress. We believe that Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger and Congressman Mike Gallagher understand the needs of the forest products industry and the many other industries that depend upon commercial hauling. Virginia forest logging businesses are reporting a major shortage of qualified commercial drivers, and this is also occurring across America,” said Ron Jenkins, Executive Director, Virginia Loggers Association.

 “The ongoing labor shortage has hit the agricultural supply chain hard, especially when it comes to finding enough long-haul drivers to transport farm inputs, commodities and food products. Of course, agriculture is no stranger to worker shortages, and if we’re going to ensure the stability of our nation’s food supply in the long-term, we must provide short-term, fast, and straightforward incentives to attract and retain drivers. The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act will help ensure farms can continue producing food, fiber and fuel sustainably and that those products can make it out the farm gate to processing facilities and consumers,” said Wayne F. Pryor, President, Virginia Farm Bureau.

 “Our members continue to face supply chain challenges, especially in transporting agricultural and silvicultural materials. The Virginia Agribusiness Council supports the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act as an important tool for attracting and retaining qualified truck drivers,” said Cliff Williamson, Executive Director, Virginia Agribusiness Council.

 Specifically, the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act would:

• Create a new refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for truck drivers holding a valid Class A CDL who drive at least 1,900 hours in the year. This tax credit would last for two years (2023 and 2024).

• Create a new refundable tax credit of up to $10,000 for new truck drivers or individuals enrolled in a registered trucking apprenticeship. This tax credit would also last for two years.

• Allow new truck drivers to be eligible for the credit if they did not drive a commercial truck in the previous year or drive for at least 1,420 hours in the current year. They may receive a proportion of the credit if they drive less than 1,420 hours in the year, but drove at least an average of 40 hours a week upon starting to drive.

 Click here for full bill text.

---

Risch, King, Golden, Thompson Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Future Logging Careers Act

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Angus King (I-Maine) and U.S. Representatives Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.) reintroduced the Future Logging Careers Act. This legislation would allow teenage members of logging families to gain experience in the logging trade under parental supervision so they may carry on the family business. The Future Logging Careers Act would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to work in certain mechanized logging operations under parental supervision.

“Idaho’s logging industry has long been a family trade, but current law is hampering its future by preventing young men and women from working in their family’s businesses,” said Risch. “The Future Logging Careers Act would give timber families the same opportunity to pass down their trade that is allotted to family farmers. With the logging industry facing a decline in labor and an aging workforce, we must empower the next generation of loggers who are vital for properly managing our forests, supporting rural economies, and maintaining family businesses. I am proud to introduce this legislation that does just that.”

“Logging has been fundamental to the success of our state for centuries – creating good jobs, supporting working families, and providing essential economic activity across rural areas," said King. “As a new generation of Maine people consider careers in logging, we should be providing opportunities to explore the exciting field in a safe, managed way. The bipartisan Future Logging Careers Act would give young Maine people the option to jumpstart their career, get invaluable hands-on experience, and begin training by logging with their parents or grandparents. It’s a commonsense effort to strengthen our state’s long forest heritage and expand job opportunities.”

“Family-owned businesses are a tradition of Maine’s forest economy and their ability to pass down the trade to future generations is a priority,” said Golden. “This is a commonsense solution to workforce shortages and to the current law which prevents young Mainers from working in the family business. Our bipartisan bill will allow young Mainers to get an early start learning the family trade and lay the foundation of a good living in the woods.”

“I have the great privilege of representing numerous family-owned logging businesses, that operate on private lands, state forests and in Pennsylvania’s only National Forest, the Allegheny. For years, younger people were able to learn the family business through the guidance and comfort of their own family members,” said Thompson. “This commonsense legislation brings the logging industry in-line with the standards of other agri-businesses and allows the next generation to learn the trade and obtain vital knowledge through hands-on, skills-based learning. I am proud to support this effort."

Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Congressmen Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho) and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine).

The Future Logging Careers Act has received support from the American Loggers Council and the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho.

“The timber industry is traditionally a multi-generational business where the skills and knowledge are passed on from one generation to the next. This succession process is critical to ensuring that the timber industry infrastructure remains viable to support public and private healthy forest management, rural jobs, wildfire mitigation, and U.S. made forest products. The Future Logging Careers Act will afford the timber industry sector of the agricultural economy the same opportunities and benefits currently extended to the family farm. Workforce development is critical to maintaining the resources necessary to provide the forest management services required to meet the U.S. sustainable healthy forests objectives for today and the future. The American Loggers Council appreciates the bipartisan/bicameral sponsorship of Senator Risch (ID) and Senator King (ME), and Representative Golden (ME) and Representative Thompson (PA), of the Future Logging Careers Act and their continued support of the American timber industry,” said Scott Dane, Executive Director of the American Loggers Council.

“This legislation will extend to logging families the same opportunities that farming families enjoy that allow their 16 and 17 year old family members to work in today's modern logging equipment. Taking this step will enable logging families to pass on the skills and their businesses to the next generation. This helps ensure the professional, safe, harvesting of the raw material for the wood and paper products we use every day will continue into the future,” said Shawn Keough, Executive Director of the Associated Logging Contractors of Idaho.

---

Loggers Celebrate Resolution Designating October 12th as National Loggers Day

Letter of Recognition from President Biden designating October 12th as “National Loggers Day”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LETTER

The American Loggers Council announces the introduction of a Senate Resolution, House Resolution of Support, and Letter of Recognition from President Biden designating October 12th as “National Loggers Day”.

The American Loggers Council announces the introduction of a Senate Resolution, House Resolution of Support, and Letter of Recognition from President Biden designating October 12th as “National Loggers Day”.

Loggers were a part of carving out a new life in America 400 years ago and they continue to build America every day. Loggers today carry on the proud tradition that has been a part of the American fabric since the beginning and will continue to be in the future. The proud timber industry heritage depicted by the iconic Paul Bunyan lives on in today’s loggers. They are an American legacy.

“Our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, strengthened rural communities, and protected our natural environment. I come from a six-generation forest-products family and know of no other enterprise that requires more faith in the future and respect for the past,” said Senator Collins. “I am proud to join Senator Baldwin in honoring the skilled and resilient loggers in Maine and across the country. I have strongly supported these hardworking men and women by advocating for workforce development programs and securing financial assistance during the pandemic, and I look forward to continuing to be a strong partner on issues to protect this resilient industry and its talented employees.”

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Collins to spotlight the importance of logging businesses and workers who keep our forests healthy and support our Made in America forest products supply chain,” said Senator Baldwin. “Wisconsin’s logging economy provides good-paying jobs and revenue for rural communities and the National Park System. Healthy forest management also provides public recreational opportunities that make the Wisconsin way of life a national treasure. With this bipartisan Senate Resolution, we are showing our commitment to the loggers who work hard to advance what has been a cultural tradition in the United States for centuries.”

“The significance of this proclamation for loggers across the United States cannot be overstated,” Dana Doran, Executive Director of the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine, said. “At no prior time in our nation’s history have loggers been recognized for their selfless and heroic efforts by our nation’s government, and we especially want to thank U.S. Senator Susan Collins for leading the effort to honor their contribution to our nation’s economy on behalf of the hard-working small family businesses in the industry. Loggers work hard day in and day out to supply every American with products that they need to live safe and productive lives. It’s important to not only honor this heritage industry but also to be sure that every American recognizes the importance of their contribution now and in the future.”

Loggers supply the renewable resources that the forest products industry (paper, lumber, biomass, etc.) requires to produce the products that people need, use, and depend on. That is why they were deemed essential and continued working through the pandemic.

American forests are healthy and sustainable due to the services that loggers provide to the public and private forest managers which allows them to meet their sustainable forest management objectives.

The American logger contributes to improving rural communities, forest health, animal habitat, wildfire mitigation, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy development. Without loggers, these public economic and environmental benefits would not be possible.

The American Loggers Council appreciates the Congressional and Presidential recognition of the American Logger and the contribution that they have made for generations in building America.

Congressman Good (VA) plans to introduce the Resolution of Support this week and it is anticipated to pass and officially recognize October 12th as National Loggers Day.

---

NATIONAL LOGGERS DAY: Collins, Baldwin, Risch, Cassidy, King, and Daines Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Loggers Day

Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), James Risch (R-ID), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Angus King (I-ME), and Steven Daines (R-MT) introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing October 12th, 2022 as National Loggers Day. The Senate resolution highlights the many contributions and economic benefits of the logging industry in the United States.

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Collins to spotlight the importance of logging businesses and workers who keep our forests healthy and support our Made in America forest products supply chain,” said Senator Baldwin. “Wisconsin’s logging economy provides good-paying jobs and revenue for rural communities and the National Park System. Healthy forest management also provides public recreational opportunities that make the Wisconsin way of life a national treasure. With this bipartisan Senate Resolution, we are showing our commitment to the loggers who work hard to advance what has been a cultural tradition in the United States for centuries.”

“Throughout Maine’s history, our forest products industry has supported good-paying jobs, driven local economies, strengthened rural communities, and protected our natural environment. I come from a six-generation forest-products family and know of no other enterprise that requires more faith in the future and respect for the past,” said Senator Collins. “I am proud to join Senator Baldwin in honoring the skilled and resilient loggers in Maine and across the country. I have strongly supported these hardworking men and women by advocating for workforce development programs and securing financial assistance during the pandemic, and I look forward to continuing to be a strong partner on issues to protect this resilient industry and its talented employees.”

This resolution is supported by the American Loggers Council.

Designating October 12, 2022 as “National Loggers Day”.

Whereas, the logging industry has served as an economic driver and cultural tradition in the United States for centuries;

Whereas, the logging industry creates rural jobs and provides revenue for local and state governments, and ;

Whereas, loggers provide renewable material for products used by Americans every day;

Whereas, loggers are the first link in the $300 billion domestic forest products supply chain;

Whereas, loggers are the means by which healthy forest management plans are accomplished;

Whereas, logging provides for healthy forests that maintain our vital animal habitats;

Whereas, logging provides for healthy forests which protect our watersheds;

Whereas, logging provides for healthy forests which sequester carbon;

Whereas, logging provides for healthy forests which provide public recreational opportunities;

Whereas, logging provides for healthy forests which reduce loss of life and property from wildfires;

Whereas, logging provides for healthy forests through regeneration, including planting 2.5 billion trees annually.

---

---

American Loggers Council Requests Additional PATHH Funding

The American Loggers Council, and the timber industry that we represent, is extremely appreciative of the PATHH program assistance. The program received bi-partisan support in Congress and has also been supported by the Administration. Unfortunately, the program application process has also revealed the extent of economic loss and need within the timber industry sector, with eligible requests ($385 million) exceeding available funding ($200 million) by nearly double. Therefore, the American Loggers Council respectfully requests a supplemental appropriation of $185 million to meet Congress’ full intended level of assistance to the timber harvesters and haulers sector.

This unmet need forced the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, to adjust the original formula to a point where in many cases the amount of financial assistance was reduced to less than half of what the applicant would have been eligible for. As an example, an applicant that would have been eligible, based on their gross income loss multiplied by 80% (original formula) for $180,000 would have been limited to a maximum award of $125,000. The new formula, due to the excess request for assistance, limited the maximum to $75,000 and then applies a multiplier of 70.5% to that figure resulting in a maximum limit of $52,875. This is 42% of the originally announced assistance level that timber harvesters and haulers expected would be provided to them in late 2021.

This level of need is evidence of the economic impact that the COVID-19 Pandemic has had on the American timber industry. Multiple economic analysis reports indicated that the loss to timber harvesters and haulers exceeded $1 billion. Congress recognized that timber harvesters and haulers had been left out of prior pandemic relief programs by appropriating $200 million. Now that the real economic need has been verified, and to meet the intent of Congress in providing adequate assistance to this vital industrial sector, a supplemental appropriation of $185 million (as per Farm Service Agency data) needs to be appropriated.

When other industry specific COVID relief programs had demand that exceeded resources, additional funding was provided. As an example, when the fishing industry received $300 million in 2020 from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) it turned out to be much less than needed. In 2021, an additional $225 million was allocated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act for the fishing industry. Currently Congress is considering an additional $68 billion for small businesses such as restaurants that received $28.6 billion through the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which was quickly depleted before many restaurants received any assistance.

The objective of the PATHH program was to preserve the logging and trucking infrastructure until the effects of the pandemic were no longer a factor. This is a critical objective to avoid a collapse of the infrastructure which will otherwise prove difficult to rebuild.

The success of the PATHH program was the direct result of Congressional / Administration leadership, and the public / private sector partnership in developing the program. As the first time that the timber industry has been recognized within the agricultural sectors and provided assistance, the PATHH program was an historic and unprecedented success. Supplemental funding to match the eligible demand will ensure that the PATHH program accomplishes the objective and provides the level of support necessary to weather the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.

---

PATHH Program Demand Exceeds Funding Resources

The need and success of the Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers was demonstrated by over 5,600 applications representing eligibility for $385 million in aid.  This figure is nearly double the $200 million appropriated for the program.

As a result, the Farm Service Agency had to implement an assistance formula modification which resulted in reduced financial assistance ranging 10%-57% compared to initial estimates.  This adjustment was not an arbitrary decision by the Farm Service Agency but was a necessary action to ensure that all eligible applicants received some level of assistance.

The American Loggers Council anticipated that this might be the case based on multiple economic impact studies conducted by the American Loggers Council and the US Forest Service which indicated that the COVID-19 induced negative economic impact to the timber industry exceeded $1 billion.

Upon this final determination the American Loggers Council traveled to Washington DC and met with key Congressional Appropriations Committee Members and expressed a need for supplemental funding to ensure full assistance is provided to the timber industry as originally intended. This information and message was also conveyed to the White House.  

PATHH Update: Letter From Tom Vilsack USDA

EXCERPT FROM LETTER: USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Forest Service worked together to ensure the program’s policies are equitable and will help as many as possible in the timber harvesting and hauling industry who have been affected by COVID-19. Initial payments of up to $2,000 per applicant have been made as applications have been made. Sign-up for the program closed last month and the remaining portion of the $200 million will be distributed among the eligible applicants in the coming weeks.

---