The Shortsighted Expansion of Timber Production: A Dangerous Executive Order

On March 1, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at rapidly expanding timber production in the United States. This order seeks to streamline permitting processes, increase timber harvesting, and boost domestic timber production by allowing for the accelerated removal of trees from national forests. The policy is being touted as a way to create jobs, reduce dependency on foreign timber imports, and improve forest management, all while lowering construction costs. However, the potential consequences of such a drastic move are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic, especially for the environment, climate, public health, and the very ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

You can read the full executive order here.

In this blog, we will explore the environmental damage caused by accelerated logging, its impact on climate change, the financial and health repercussions for people, the destruction of public lands, and why this executive order is ultimately shortsighted.

Environmental Damage: Erosion, Water Pollution, and Habitat Destruction

Forests are vital ecosystems that play a key role in maintaining water quality, protecting wildlife habitats, and ensuring the overall health of the land. One of the most immediate risks of increased timber production is the destruction of these vital ecosystems. Trees help anchor the soil, preventing erosion and reducing runoff. When trees are felled, the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion, and the sediment that is washed into nearby streams and rivers can smother aquatic habitats. This sedimentation reduces water clarity, increases turbidity, and pollutes the water, harming aquatic life. The added sediment also blocks sunlight from penetrating the water, which can disrupt photosynthesis, affecting aquatic plants, algae, and the entire food web within these ecosystems.

Additionally, the destruction of habitats caused by deforestation leaves wildlife with fewer places to thrive. Many species depend on mature forests for shelter, food, and breeding grounds. Accelerated logging not only displaces animals but can also lead to the loss of biodiversity. Species that rely on specific forest environments can be wiped out if their habitats are destroyed, causing a cascade of negative effects on the entire ecosystem.

Climate Change: A Dangerous Cycle of Deforestation and Rising Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Logging does more than just harm ecosystems—it also has profound consequences for our climate. Trees are critical in sequestering carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. When forests are logged, the carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Additionally, with fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide, the planet’s ability to regulate atmospheric carbon diminishes.

Cutting down forests also reduces the production of oxygen, further contributing to the growing imbalance in our atmosphere. As carbon emissions rise and the planet heats up, the world faces more extreme weather events, including heatwaves, storms, and droughts, which put further strain on ecosystems and human society.

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. Rising global temperatures are intensifying storms, wildfires, and floods, which not only cause environmental destruction but also place an enormous strain on human resources and infrastructure. The acceleration of deforestation under this executive order only exacerbates these challenges, pushing us further toward a tipping point that could lead to catastrophic environmental changes.

Impact on People: Financial Costs and Health Concerns

The effects of climate change aren’t just environmental—they have real financial costs for individuals and communities. In the United States, natural disasters linked to climate change, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, have already caused billions of dollars in damage each year. A 2021 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) revealed that the U.S. experienced 20 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2020, totaling $95 billion in damages (NOAA, 2021). The financial cost is projected to rise as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

In addition to the economic toll, these disasters also raise the cost of insurance. In areas prone to wildfires, floods, or severe storms, insurance premiums are increasing rapidly, making it harder for people to afford coverage. In some cases, insurers are pulling out of high-risk areas entirely, leaving residents without the protection they need. These financial pressures disproportionately affect lower-income communities, exacerbating economic inequality (CBO, 2024).

The health impacts are just as severe. Rising temperatures, air pollution, and extreme weather events contribute to respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, and the spread of infectious diseases. Wildfires, for example, release particulate matter into the air, which can cause lung damage, heart disease, and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions (U.S. EPA, n.d.). The increasing frequency of heatwaves leads to conditions like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, placing additional strain on public health systems.

The Destruction of Public Lands: The Loss of Recreation and Conservation Areas

Public lands—nearly 30% of the United States—are not only critical for conservation efforts but also provide recreational spaces for millions of Americans. These lands are home to national parks, forests, and other protected areas that offer vital opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. For many, these natural spaces provide a sense of connection to the land and a place to experience the beauty and tranquility of the outdoors.

The accelerated logging proposed by the executive order threatens these recreational areas. Logging operations can destroy the natural beauty of forests, making them less inviting for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the use of heavy machinery and clear-cutting practices can disrupt ecosystems, displacing wildlife and diminishing the value of these lands for conservation purposes. The loss of public lands to logging could also harm the local economies that rely on tourism and recreation, leaving communities without access to the environmental resources they depend on.

Conflict of Interest: Tom Schultz’s Role in the Forest Service

Another troubling aspect of the executive order is the involvement of Tom Schultz, President Trump’s head of the U.S. Forest Service. Schultz’s background in the lumber industry raises serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Before being appointed to lead the Forest Service, Schultz worked in the private sector, specifically in roles that benefitted from increased timber production. His career is deeply tied to industries that profit from the destruction of forests, raising the question of whether his leadership of the Forest Service is more about advancing the interests of the timber industry than managing the country’s forests in a way that preserves their ecological value.

Having a person with such strong ties to the timber industry in charge of the Forest Service is a significant conflict of interest. Schultz’s past career may influence his decisions, potentially prioritizing the needs of private timber companies over the preservation of public lands, wildlife habitats, and forest health. This conflict casts doubt on the integrity of the Forest Service’s role in managing national forests and raises ethical concerns about whether public interests are being adequately represented.

Conclusion: Shortsightedness in Pursuit of Quick Gains

While the executive order may offer short-term economic benefits for the timber industry and other sectors reliant on timber products, its long-term environmental, financial, and social costs are far more significant. Accelerating logging on public lands threatens ecosystems, exacerbates climate change, increases disaster risks, and undermines the quality of life for people who depend on natural spaces for recreation, health, and economic activity.

This policy is shortsighted because it fails to take into account the broader environmental impacts of increased deforestation. Rather than focusing solely on immediate economic gains, we should be prioritizing sustainable forest management practices that balance timber production with ecological preservation. The health of our forests is inextricably linked to the health of our climate, our communities, and our future.

In order to protect the planet for future generations, we must adopt policies that promote long-term environmental stewardship. Reducing carbon emissions, protecting biodiversity, and investing in sustainable forest management are essential steps toward a more resilient future—one that benefits both people and the planet.

References

Congressional Budget Office. (2024, August). The effects of climate change on insurance and the U.S. economy. https://www.cbo.gov/system/files/2024-08/59918-Climate-Change-Insurance.pdf

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. (2021, January 8). 2021 U.S. billion-dollar weather and climate disasters: Historical perspective. NOAA Climate.gov. https://www.climate.gov/news-features/blogs/beyond-data/2021-us-billion-dollar-weather-and-climate-disasters-historical

The White House. (2025, March 1). Immediate expansion of American timber production. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/immediate-expansion-of-american-timber-production/

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Health and environmental effects of particulate matter (PM). U.S. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm