Assembly Bill 1066 to help California Timber Industry

SACRAMENTO –Assembly Bill 1066, co-authored by Assemblyman Ted Gaines, R-Roseville, passed the Assembly today, (June 4) helping reduce timber industry regulations and save jobs in El Dorado County and statewide. Assembly Bill 1066, authored by Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia, extends harvesting permits from three years to ten years, allowing landowners more flexibility to take advantage of stronger markets when they occur.

The timber industry has been significantly effected by ever-increasing government regulations. More than 80 sawmills have closed since 1989. Most recently, Sierra Pacific Industries announced that it would close its mill in Camino, resulting in the layoff of 164 employees. “This is the most important step we could be taking right now to save timber jobs at the Sierra Pacific mill in Camino and throughout the state,” Gaines said. “I will work hard to make certain that this bill succeeds in the Senate and becomes law as quickly as possible so that jobs at Camino can be restored and we can get people back to work.

As a result of the recent closures throughout California, the state now imports 80 percent of wood products consumed here.“I am pleased with this opportunity to create jobs in California forests,” Gaines said. “Families and business owners are really hurting and this bill will give them the flexibility they need to operate more efficiently."

The bill will also help offset increasing production costs and reduce California’s reliance on imports. “Costly and burdensome permitting requirements have discouraged landowners from managing their timberlands for years,” Gaines said. “Now California can take advantage of an improved permitting process which will encourage the purchase of California-grown products.”

Assemblyman Ted Gaines represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes portions of Placer, El Dorado, Sacramento & Alpine counties.