Trump’s Canadian tariffs include lumber. He is pushing to cut down American trees instead

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to expand commercial logging on federal lands, aiming to reduce reliance on Canadian lumber
• Three days later, his administration imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian products, including lumber
• Experts warn that these policies may raise construction costs rather than replace Canadian imports

🔭 The context: The U.S. currently imports 23.6% of its lumber from Canada, according to Forest Economic Advisors
• Trump's order seeks to fast-track logging permits and bypass environmental protections such as the Endangered Species Act
• Industry analysts argue that the U.S. lacks the sawmill capacity and workforce to meet immediate demand

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Environmental groups warn that increased logging in national forests will worsen climate change, harm wildlife, and degrade air and water quality
• Clearcutting forests releases carbon emissions, while logging debris can increase wildfire risks
• Species like grizzly bears, spotted owls, and wild salmon may face heightened threats

⏭️ What's next: Home prices could rise as lumber costs increase, with builders estimating an added $7,500–$10,000 per home
• Earthjustice and other environmental organizations are preparing legal challenges against expanded logging efforts
• The U.S. timber industry will need years to build the necessary infrastructure to replace Canadian imports

💬 One quote: "Trump’s order will unleash the chainsaws and bulldozers on our beautiful, irreplaceable federal forests." — Randi Spivak, Center for Biological Diversity

📈 One stat: 23.6% of U.S. lumber consumption came from Canada last year, per Forest Economic Advisors

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