New Safe Routes Act Reintroduced For Session
U.S. congressional representatives from Wisconsin and Maine have reintroduced a version of the Safe Routes Act that would allow logging trucks that meet state weight limits to drive on interstate highways.
U.S. Reps. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin (R) and Maine’s Jared Golden (D) are sponsoring the bill, and Gallagher, who introduced similar legislation in 2019 and 2021, says he hopes Republican control of the House gives it a better chance to get through committee and attached to legislation, though he admits getting the bill through the Senate is the biggest challenge.
Once a priority of the American Loggers Council (ALC), the Safe Routes Act is still supported, but state groups and other organizations are currently working state by state for “carve-out” interstate waivers that allow logs trucks on certain segments of interstate since such blanket national policies are so tough to pass, legislative experts say.
Latest News
Oregon Loggers Cause Tiny Fraction Of Fires
Following the horrible wind-driven conflagrations of 2020, Oregon has seen calmer fire seasons in 2021-22, and a report from 2022 shows Oregon loggers have performed admirably in fire prevention and first-response activities last year, according to a report from the Oregon Dept. of Forestry (ODF). As noted in the Associated Oregon Loggers Mainline newsletter, there were just 18 total Oregon state land forest fires caused by industrial mechanical equipment in 2022. Thanks to the efforts of Oregon loggers, only 15 acres burned…
WANT MORE CONTENT?
Spanning seven decades since its inception in 1952, Timber Harvesting highlights innovative and successful logging operations across the U.S. and around the world. Timber Harvesting also emphasizes new technology and provides the best marketing vehicle for the industry’s suppliers to reach the largest number of loggers in North America and beyond.
Call Us: 800.669.5613