Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act Introduced to Support Maine Logging Industry

Strategic Insights -

Maine Congressman Jared Golden and Senator Susan Collins have introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, aiming to provide support to loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters. The legislation creates a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer financial assistance to logging businesses affected by high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation, and drought. Senator Angus King and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree are original cosponsors of the bill, while Congressman Pete Stauber is the lead cosponsor in the House. Current law excludes loggers from disaster relief and assistance available to other industries, such as fishermen and farmers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act establishes a new program within the USDA to provide financial assistance to logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year.
  • The program would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses after a disaster declaration from the president or governor.
  • Covered damage under the legislation includes high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation, and drought.
  • Maine's logging industry has seen significant losses due to natural disasters, with a $2.6 million loss in December 2023 after a severe storm.
  • A survey by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast found that over 90 percent of logging businesses suffered damage to equipment or logistics.
  • Original cosponsors of the bill include Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01).
  • The legislation aims to provide a safety net for logging families and communities who rely on the industry for their livelihoods and well-being.
  • Logging industry leaders, including Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast, have praised the bipartisan legislation for its efforts to provide fair treatment and relief.

Statistics:

  • Maine's logging industry lost $2.6 million in December 2023 after a severe storm.
  • A survey by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast found that over 90 percent of logging businesses suffered damage to equipment or logistics.
  • In total, Maine's economy lost $5.5 million due to the loss in logging revenue and productivity that winter.
  • The Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act aims to provide financial assistance to logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year.
  • The program would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses after a disaster declaration from the president or governor.

Sources:

  • Office of Maine Rep. Jared Golden: Press Release - Congressman Golden Introduces Bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act (no date)
  • Statement from Senator Susan Collins (no date)
  • Statement from Senator Angus King (no date)
  • Statement from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (no date)
  • Statement from Congressman Pete Stauber (no date)
  • Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast: Press Release - Survey Finds 90 Percent of Maine Logging Businesses Affected by Severe Storm (no date)
  • American Loggers Council: Statement in Support of the Loggers Assistance and Relief Act (no date)