Dear [name],
We can all agree that illegal deforestation is wrong. It not only drives climate change, but is often closely linked with corruption, organized crime, and human rights abuses, including violence against indigenous peoples and other land and environmental defenders. I authored legislation in 2008 to stop the illegal harvesting and trading of timber and wood products around the world, but what so many of us don’t realize is that this problem goes beyond just timber. The shelves in our stores are full of products associated with illegal deforestation.
You shouldn’t have to worry about whether you are inadvertently complicit every time you go shopping. That’s why today, I’m unveiling the bipartisan Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act, legislation that will help us crack down on illegal deforestation, by boosting transparency along our import supply chains.
Deforestation accounts for about 10 percent of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions, which is roughly the same amount of pollution generated by 600 million cars over the course of an entire year. The bill, which I’m leading in the U.S. House of Representatives, would help us eliminate those emissions, while also helping to ensure that American companies aren’t punished for playing by the rules. That’s a win for our planet, a win for our economy, and a win for human rights, which is why the legislation has been endorsed by nearly 40 environmental and human rights organizations who are standing with me to end illegal deforestation.
To learn more about the FOREST Act and how it works, click here.
Taking a stand against illegal deforestation shouldn’t be a partisan issue, which is why I’m glad to be joined by my Republican colleague Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick as a co-lead of this legislation. I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate to draw attention to this issue and to get this legislation across the finish line, and I will keep you updated throughout that process.
