STATEMENT: Sierra Club Statement on New Evidence of Illegal Logging and Trade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 9, 2013

Contact: Trey Pollard (202) 495-3058

Sierra Club Statement on New Evidence of Illegal Logging and Trade

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the Environmental Investigation Agency is presenting striking new evidence demonstrating the extent and complexity of the illegal timber trade, and the continued need to address this urgent problem. Illegal logging and trade in illegally harvested timber is destroying the habitats of wild animals, such as the great Siberian Tiger, damaging our climate, and undercutting U.S. jobs in the wood and wood products industries.

In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune released the following statement:

“On behalf of our 2.1 million members and supporters, the Sierra Club applauds the work of the Environmental Investigation Agency to shine a light on the illegal timber trade. Illegal logging and trade in illegally harvested timber destroys wildlife habitat, disrupts our climate, and threatens American jobs in the wood and wood products industries. And it's happening right behind our backs. Now more than ever, we need full funding and implementation for tools like the Lacey Act to stop the trade of illegal timber."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.1 million members and supporters nationwide. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.