This executive order is an attempt to increase domestic timber production and reduce reliance on foreign sources. However, it also has the potential to negatively impact our environment if not implemented carefully. The order directs several federal agencies to develop strategies for streamlining environmental reviews and approval processes for forest management projects under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While this may be a necessary step towards increasing timber production, it could also result in increased risk of harm to endangered species. Additionally, the order calls for the creation of a report that identifies obstacles to domestic timber infrastructure specifically deriving from implementation of the ESA and recommends procedural, regulatory, and interagency improvements. While this may be a helpful step towards improving communication between agencies, it could also result in an unequal application of environmental regulations across different projects. Overall, the order is an attempt to balance economic interests with environmental concerns but needs to be implemented carefully to avoid negative impacts on wildlife and our environment.
Read the full text of the order at the whitehouse.gov website.