ESFPA E-News

Tariff Turmoil Continues

The tariff rollercoaster continues as the President announced via social media yesterday that he was putting a 90-day pause on the country specific reciprocal tariffs announced last week on all U.S. trading partners, with the exception of China. The global 10% tariff remains in place on all U.S. imports as do tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. The President then increased tariffs on Chinese imports up to 125%, further isolating China in his trade policy.

The announcement seemed to catch many in the Administration off guard, including U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer who had testified before the House Ways and Means Committee earlier in the day. Bond pricing and continued fear of a recession was attributable to the President's change of tune. Although some inside the administration claimed this was intended all along. Over the weekend, the President also indicated that he would reprieve some Chinese imports from tariffs related to smart phones and other electronics. The extent of those exemptions remains in question.

Other bad news on the economy is the trade weighted exchange rate which shows a continued stronger dollar against our major trading partners. This means that exchange rates are more favorable for imported products and less favorable for domestic producers. Unless of course the tariffs offset this advantage, or the dollar devalues due to recessionary trends. Oh the unintended consequences! The tariff roller coaster continues.

Revision and Update of NYS Endangered and Threatened Species List

In last week's State Register, DEC published notice of adoption of revisions to the list of species (6 NYCRR Part 182.5) that are threatened or endangered (see pages 1-3).  This list includes species that have been changed by the federal Endangered Species Act, which are automatically added to New York’s list when adopted. For example, it now lists Northern Long-eared Bat as endangered, even though its status has changed in New York since federal listing in 2024.

The changes also reflect DEC’s assessment and changes to the status of certain aquatic species which we reported on in August of 2024.  There were no significant changes in aquatic species that raised concerns for forestry practices.  In 2025 DEC will be reviewing in-depth amphibian, mammal, and bird species for their revisions. We do expect species of significance to forestry to be included in these revisions.

Click the link below to view the revisions in the State Register:

Final Advanced Clean Trucks Rule Letter

ESFPA joined the Trucking Association of New York (TANY) and over 30 other organizations in signing on to a letter to the Governor asking her to delay the implementation of the Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) rule. The letter states that enforcing this legislation would harm New York’s trucking industry, truck dealers, and consumers, as well as potentially delaying progress toward the state’s emission reduction goals: 

These are serious challenges that must be overcome before we see trucking companies make significant investments in ZEVs. We respectfully request that you support the legislation introduced by Sen. Cooney and Assm. Lupardo and delay the implementation of the ACT rule until at least 2027. This will allow time for the industry to establish a reasonable pathway toward the transition to ZEVs and protect our dealers, our motor carriers, the fragile economy of New York, and prevent higher costs for New Yorkers across the state.

Click the link below to view the final letter:

Forestry Gets Some Congressional Attention

Over the past couple of weeks some good news for forestry came out of Congress.  Senators Jim Risch (R-ID) and Angus King (I-ME) announced that they are reintroducing the Jobs in the Woods Act (JWA). This legislation, which was pending in the last Congress, would stand up forestry and forest products industry-specific job training programs.  It is modeled after a successful program developed by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Recruiting qualified workers into our sector continues to be a challenge and enactment of JWA would be a critical step in addressing this issue. The JWA last year was targeted for inclusion in the re-authorized Farm Bill.  We have yet to see any real work on a Farm Bill in 2025.

A couple of weeks ago legislation sponsored in the Senate and the House by a bipartisan coalition of leaders aimed at helping private forest landowners recover from catastrophic timber loss due to natural disasters was introduced.  The Disaster Reforestation Act (DRA) is a critical first step toward providing a safety net for landowners by amending the tax code to allow them to deduct the value of their timber lost to natural disasters. The DRA proposes to allow forest landowners to deduct the full fair market value of the timber lost to a disaster. The introduction of this legislation comes at a critical time as Congress prepares to negotiate a comprehensive tax package.

Register for ALA "The Future of Private Lands" Summit

A one-day summit on forest land management and legacy planning for Adirondack Landowners presented by the Adirondack Landowners Association.

May 3rd, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Northwest Bay Conference Center (640 Bay Rd) - SUNY Adirondack, Queensbury, NY

Join fellow landowners, forestry leaders, and conservation experts for an immersive conference dedicated to empowering private forest stewards with the knowledge and tools needed to protect and enhance our precious woodland resources, now and for future generations.

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Kim Elliman, Retired CEO, Open Space Institute - Drawing from decades of conservation leadership, Kim Elliman brings unparalleled insight into effective land conservation and the valuable role of private stewardship. 

This comprehensive program addresses today's most pressing challenges:

• Master planning fundamentals: Learn the value and mechanics of a master plan
• Private forestry opportunities: Navigate challenges while maximizing potential
• Climate resilience: Understand the changing environmental conditions of our forests
• Generational transition: Engage the next generation to continue the legacy
• Financial sustainability: Explore innovative approaches and fresh perspectives on familiar economic tools
• Invasive species management: Latest identification and monitoring efforts
• Community connections: How we can strengthen our vital relationship with local government

Whether you are an individual forest owner, member of a club, or part of a multi-generational landowner, this conference offers practical insights and valuable connections to help you become a more effective steward of your land. Register today to secure your place among forward-thinking private landowners committed to preserving our forests for generations to come.

Click the link below to register: