Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production

Section 1: Purpose ​

• Timber production is essential for:
  • Construction
  • Energy production
  • Forest management and wildfire risk reduction, which can save lives
• The U.S. has sufficient timber resources, but:
  • Federal policies hinder full utilization
  • Reliance on foreign lumber poses economic risks and job losses
• Aims to reverse these policies to enhance domestic timber production and secure economic stability.

Section 2: Directives to the Secretaries ​

• Within 30 days:

  • Issue updated guidance for increased timber production and forest management.
  • Submit legislative proposals to improve timber production capabilities.

• Within 60 days:

  • Develop a strategy under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to expedite forestry project approvals.

• Within 90 days:

  • Submit a plan setting targets for annual timber sales from federal lands for the next 4 years.

• Within 120 days:

  • Complete the Whitebark Pine Rangewide Programmatic Consultation under the ESA.

• Within 180 days:

  • Consider adopting categorical exclusions to streamline processes for timber production and related activities.

• Within 280 days:

  • Consider establishing a new categorical exclusion for timber thinning and restore for salvage activities.

Section 3: Streamlined Permitting ​

• Agencies must eliminate undue delays in permitting for timber production.
• Revise or rescind regulations that impose burdens on timber production.

Section 4: Endangered Species Committee (ESC) ​

• Utilize ESA regulations for consultations in emergencies to boost timber production.
• ESC is to review submissions efficiently and resolve exemption application issues promptly.
• Federal members should report on obstacles to timber production due to ESA and recommend improvements.

Section 5: General Provisions ​

• The order does not affect the authority of executive departments or agencies.
• It will be implemented per applicable laws and existing appropriations.
• The order does not create enforceable rights against the U.S. or its entities.

Date of Order: March 1, 2025