Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, representing Alabama, recently led a forestry tour across the state in collaboration with the Alabama Forestry Association and the Alabama Forestry Commission. During this tour, he examined various facets of the forestry industry and its supply chain while discussing challenges posed by rising inflation.

"This week, we’ve been traveling the state where we have over 23 million acres of forestland," said Senator Tuberville. "Along the way, we heard about sky-high costs of energy and gas, crippling EPA regulations, and unfair trade deals that are hurting Alabama businesses. Our foresters and Ag producers are some of the best conservationists we have, yet Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are trying to regulate them out of business. Under the Biden-Harris administration, it is more difficult for some of our foresters to thrive and contribute to Alabama’s economy. We need to lower inflation, get red tape out of the way, and enter trade deals that put American and Alabama businesses first."

The senator's itinerary included visits to several locations: a logging site in Monroe County; forest land in Fulton County; Harrigan Lumber Company in Monroeville; Westervelt Lumber in Thomasville; SmartLam North America in Dothan; and Peak Renewables Bioenergy also in Dothan. Discussions covered topics such as forest land management practices like prescribed burning and thinning, soil types, proper harvesting practices, pests, and diseases affecting timber.

Throughout his visit, Senator Tuberville emphasized issues such as federal government overregulation, land stewardship needs, voluntary conservation practices, and how increasing input costs are impacting foresters' profitability.

As part of his role on the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Tuberville has expressed dedication to reducing regulatory burdens to help sustain growth within Alabama's forest products industry.

Senator Tommy Tuberville serves on several committees including Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.