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regulatory NEWS
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CPSC Closes Lumber Liquidators Investigation
The agreement is final: Lumber Liquidators won't sell Chinese laminate flooring; the Consumer Product Safety Commission will not issue a general recall of the flooring sold to 614,000 consumers nationwide. Lumber Liquidators will work with consumers to test and reduce formaldehyde emission levels and to pay for a certified industrial hygienist to examine homes and recommend additional remedies. The company still faces over 200 class-action lawsuits.
Source: Retail Dive, Consumer Affairs, Small Cap Exclusive, June 20; CBS Evening News, June 17; CPSC, June 16, 2016.
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Plywood Importer Raided Under Lacey
U.S. officials searched Global Plywood & Lumber after a judge agreed there was probable cause that the company has been smuggling illegal timber from Peru in violation of the Lacey Act. "We have documented the devastating environmental, economic, and human impacts of illegal logging in Peru for years," stated EIA Executive Director Alexander von Bismarck. While illegal wood imports have dropped at least 32% since the Lacey Act was passed, experts estimate that the U.S. continues to import up to $3 billion in illegal timber every year.
Source: Mongabay, June 20, 2016.
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ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
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Russian Exports To China Jump 50%
Russian exports of timber to China shot up 50% so far this year; 1.5 million cubic meters were shipped in April alone. The dramatic increase raises questions about just how much of the raw material is being used for value-added products exported by China. It also raises questions about whether or not there has been a surge in undocumented cutting and illegal logging in Russia.
Source: HPVA®; The Citizen, June 16, 2016.
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
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HPVA® Analyzes CPSC Findings
The latest HPVA® Technical Bulletin analyzes the CPSC's findings in the Lumber Liquidators case. The analysis, based on the CDC risk assessment of Lumber Liquidators' Chinese laminate flooring, compares acceptable risk levels to CARB and EPA emission standards for hardwood plywood and to U.S. producers' compliance records over the past 5 years.
Source: HPVA®.
VIDEO: America's First Forest
The Forest History Society documentary shows how the American conservation movement was launched by a German forester and his small forestry school in North Carolina.
Source: The News & Observer, June 15, 2016.
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HPVA® MEMBER NEWS
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Danzer Promotes Certification To Due Diligence Standard
Danzer announced that it is the first hardwood company to certify to the new consensus standard for legal timber due diligence, ANS LTDD 1.0 2015, developed under the American National Standards Institute.
Source: HPVA®, June 9, 2016.
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NEWS BRIEFS
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KCMA Elects Officers, Board
The new KCMA President is John Gahm, Vice President of Manufacturing, Kitchen Kompact.
Source: Woodworking Network, June 10, 2016.
Wood Kitchen Cabinet Imports
The U.S. dominates global imports of wood kitchen cabinets at 23% of the market. In 2015, China's share was 68% of total U.S. imports.
Source: Digital Journal, June 9, 2016.
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Housing Starts Edge Up
U.S. starts increased 0.3% in May. So far this year, starts have grown a respectable 9.5%.
Source: Builder, June 17, 2016.
Top Builders Increase Market Share
From 2009 to 2015, the top 20 builders increased their share of closings by 9.3%. The top 50 builders are up 10.7%.
Source: Builder, June 13, 2016.
Hot Housing Market: Texas Triangle
The population of Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio jumped 41% since 2000. Building permits issued: 1,306,231.
Source: Builder, June 13, 2016.
U.S., Canada Fail To Agree
After 100 days of "intense engagement," officials failed to sign a new softwood lumber agreement. "Significant differences" remain.
Source: Construction Dive, June 20, 2016.
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Senators Publish Wildfires Letter
Lawmakers call for a congressional budget fix to treat wildfires like natural disasters.
Source: The Bulletin, June 10, 2016.
Norway Gives $14 Million
Norway will provide $13.85 million over 3 years to strengthen Global Forest Watch, a platform for monitoring the world’s forests.
Source: Timberbiz, June 16, 2016.
NASF Overhauls SmokeyBear.com
NASF has launched a new and improved website, smokeybear.com, to help reduce forest fires. 9 out of 10 forest fires are caused by people.
Source: National Association of State Foresters, June 15, 2016.
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Send Us Your Company News, Ideas For Articles, And More
We are always looking for great stories, news about your company, and interesting multimedia. We also welcome feedback on this week's content and suggestions for topics you would like to see in upcoming HPVA® eNews. Email us at innovate@hpva.org.
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