U.S. Forest Policy Shifts (2025–2026)
Current federal policy is undergoing a significant transition toward deregulation and increased commercial timber harvest, primarily aimed at wildfire prevention and economic growth.
Major Federal Actions
- Expansion of Timber Production: In March 2025, the administration issued an Executive Order to streamline federal policies and accelerate Endangered Species Act approvals to boost domestic timber output.
- Rescission of the “Roadless Rule”: The USDA is moving to repeal the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, potentially opening nearly 60 million acres—including Alaska’s Tongass National Forest—to logging and road construction.
- Emergency Situation Determinations: A Secretary of Agriculture memo established emergency status for over 112 million acres of National Forest System land to expedite wildfire mitigation work.
Legislative & Global Activity
- Fix Our Forests Act: This bipartisan bill seeks to govern management for nearly 200 million acres. While aimed at wildfire prevention, local debates in states like Vermont highlight concerns over weakened environmental reviews.
- EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR): Set to take full effect by December 30, 2026, this requires companies exporting to the EU to prove products do not contribute to global deforestation.