Congressman Rick W. Allen has introduced H.R. 7195, the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act, legislation designed to provide targeted, temporary assistance to forestry businesses facing severe market disruptions.
Georgia’s forestry sector has been hit hard by recent mill closures, declining stumpage prices, trade disruptions, and natural disasters. These pressures have rippled through the supply chain, threatening the viability of logging and hauling operations that are essential to forest management, land stewardship, and rural economies.
What the Bill Does
The legislation establishes a federal assistance program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered through the Farm Service Agency, to respond quickly when wood markets experience sharp downturns. Key provisions include:
- Allows state governors or the Chief of the Forest Service to request a federal market disruption declaration
- Requires USDA to act on petitions within 14 days
- Provides payments to eligible timber harvesters, haulers, and qualifying landowners
- Authorizes an initial payment of up to $20,000, with additional assistance tied to revenue losses
- Permits continued annual payments for up to five years if market conditions fail to recover
- Funds the program using anti-dumping and countervailing duties collected on Canadian softwood lumber imports — avoiding new discretionary spending
Funds may be used for operational expenses such as payroll, fuel, equipment repairs, debt service, or investments that help businesses access new forest product markets.
Industry Support
Forestry organizations across the country have voiced strong support for the legislation, including the National Alliance of Forest Owners and the Forest Landowners Association, citing the bill’s focus on maintaining supply-chain stability during periods of market transition.
GFA’s Perspective
“The forestry sector depends on stable, functioning markets to support landowners, loggers, and haulers who manage and move forest products every day,” said Tim Lowrimore, President and CEO of the Georgia Forestry Association. “Maintaining a strong forest products supply chain is essential not only for rural jobs, but for long-term forest management and the economic health of forestry communities.”
What’s Next
H.R. 7195 has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. GFA will continue working with Congressman Allen and other federal partners to advocate for solutions that support Georgia’s forestry workforce and infrastructure.
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