Trump’s Orders to Boost Logging and Lumber Production Draw Praise and Criticism

A lumber industry advocate hails the ‘common-sense directives.’ An environment group sees a ‘chainsaw free-for-all.’

Lumber is stored at a facility in Lyons, Ore., on Nov. 29, 2020. Alisha Jucevic/Reuters

President Donald Trump on March 1 issued two executive orders aimed at increasing domestic timber and lumber production, drawing praise and criticism.

The first executive order directed “all affected agencies” to suspend regulations “that impose an undue burden on timber production.” The second directed the commerce secretary to study the national security implications of timber imports.