Thompson Talks Timber and ANF

Press Release

Thompson Talks Timber and ANF

Earlier this week, Glenn Thompson, Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District met with the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG) to discuss their concerns regarding the timber industry, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) and to provide his vision to revitalize the forest products industry in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Thompson, who is an avid sportsman and scout master, has a deep appreciation for the outdoors but also recognizes that in order for our forests to flourish, we need to properly manage and be responsible stewards of the land.

"As the economic engine of Northwestern Pennsylvania, it is vital that the Federal government enact pro-growth policies - which are also environmentally responsible - rather than continue the failed policies of the past that have resulted in the steady decline of the timber industry," said Thompson. "This year, roughly 20 million board feet will be harvested from the ANF - in the mid 1980's that number was as high as 90 million. This is unacceptable."

"As the premier hardwood forest in the United States, the ANF yields $5 for every $1 the Federal government invests - making it the most profitable forest in the entire national forest system - yet, the ANF continues to cut services and timber receipts decline annually."

Created in 1923, and the only national forest in Pennsylvania, the ANF is one of the many treasures of the Fifth Congressional District. From snowmobiling in the winter, to the fishing, hiking and camping in the summer, the ANF is an outdoor paradise that many enjoy. As a multi-use forest that drives the economy of Northwestern Pennsylvania, the ANF also serves as a tremendous energy resource.

"From traditional energy sources like oil and gas, to biomass and wood waste, the ANF is a significant player in the energy business and has the potential to contribute even more, if sound policy is adopted in Washington."

One of Thompson's first orders of business in Congress would be to introduce legislation repealing a federal statute that prohibits the removal of woody biomass from the forest floors for energy production. This policy - like others - was crafted by radical environmentalists who fail to recognize that the harvesting of timber and the removal of wood waste from the forest floor is sound policy that allows for the forest to naturally rejuvenate.

"With radical environmentalists crafting our energy and forest policies, and bureaucrats in Washington transferring funds out of the ANF to combat wildfires out west, Congress needs to create a dedicated funding stream for forest fires rather than cut annual budgets at the expense of eastern forests - like the ANF. Congress must also bring organizations like AHUG to the table when making decisions that effect our national parks and forests."

"If I am fortunate to succeed Congressman Peterson as your voice in Washington, I look forward to partnering with AHUG and the oil, gas and timber industries to craft policies that spur growth, protect the natural beauty of the ANF, and expand recreation. By increasing timber receipts and retaining some of that revenue in the ANF, we can create jobs, open new saw mills, and provide relief to school districts that rely heavily on the industry."

AHUG is committed to expanding the forest products industry and educating the general public about the use timber in everyday products. From paper companies to fine furniture manufacturers, AHUG represents a wide range of companies and serves as a clearinghouse for the industry to share ideas and speak with one voice on regulatory matters. For additional information, visit www.ahug.com.

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