WASHINGTON, D.C. — Newly re-introduced bipartisan legislation would address one of the leading causes of illegal deforestation while helping the United States meet its carbon emissions reduction goals. The FOREST Act, led by Senators Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Braun (R-Ind.) and Representatives Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), aims to restrict the import of products made on illegally-cleared forestland worldwide.

Reducing tropical deforestation worldwide is critical to lowering emissions and tackling the biodiversity crisis. Deforestation is also associated with human rights violations, including displacement of Indigenous Peoples from their lands, forced labor, organized crime, and violence against environmental defenders. The proposed legislation would restrict the entry of illegally produced goods into U.S. markets and onto grocery store shelves, reducing the financial incentive for illegal deforestation and ensuring that American consumers do not unknowingly support deforestation. These restrictions would be applicable to products cultivated on forested lands cleared after the enactment of the bill. 

“There is growing bipartisan consensus that we must stem illegal deforestation in order to address the worsening climate and biodiversity crises, along with the human rights violations often linked to these products,” said Barbara Bramble, vice president of international conservation programs at the National Wildlife Federation. “The distressing reality is our grocery stores are stocked with products that result from illegal deforestation, harming communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Thank you to Senators Schatz and Braun and Representatives Blumenauer and Fitzpatrick for their work to reduce the incentives for illegal deforestation and ensure the health of the global forests on which we all depend.”