2021 Legislation
OFRI FUNDING – HB 2357
If passed, HB 2357 would end government funding the Oregon Forest Research Industry (OFRI). OFRI has used taxpayer dollars for decades to promote industrial timber clear-cuts in the media and as school curriculum to convince the public that clearcuts are good for Oregon.
HB 2357 requires that some tax revenue under forest products harvest tax be credited to State Forestry Department Account for deposit in Sound Forestry Practices Subaccount. These tax payer dollars need to be redirected to science-based forest management, not slick commercials covering up environmental harm from corporate timber.
HB2357
Relating to forest management.
Eliminates funding for Oregon Forest Resources Institute Fund (OFRI) and directs equivalent moneys to a newly established Sound Forestry Practices Sub-account of State Forestry Department Account. Requires that revenue from levy of additional privilege tax under forest products harvest tax be credited to Sound Forestry Practices Subaccount. Directs use of moneys in account. Board of Forestry sets future rates.
Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Salinas, Holvey, Senator Golden
Regular Sponsor(s): Representative Campos, Helm, Pham, Reynolds, Schouten, Wilde, (Presession filed.)
Advocates: