New Forest Sector Study Sees Promising Future; Obstacles Seen In Over Government Regulation

A new report on the outlook for the forest sector of the U.S. economy gives the industry a generally upbeat reading but cited some problems for the future including over-regulation by federal agencies, specifically by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The report, authored by prominent U.S. forestry leaders and academics, found that the nation’s pulp and paper industry is more than holding its own with packaging products offsetting reduced use of printing and writing paper in the digital age.  It said the housing recovery is promising for lumber and wood building products, with some concern that the lumber industry can meet coming demand in view of its reductions in capacity during the housing bust.

“Assuming the manufacturing capacity question can be resolved, domestic and foreign markets beyond 2015 look very positive,” the report said.

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