WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate voted 79-14 on Dec. 13 to pass the Farm bill, which included the Combat Illegal Logging Act of 2007.

The act amends the Lacey Act, which currently regulates fish, wildlife and certain plants, to also prohibit the import, sales or trade in illegally-harvested wood products. The bill now moves to a conference committee to iron out the differences between the Senate and House versions of the legislation.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who introduced the Illegal Logging Act, said, “This legislation addresses an illegal logging crisis. Oregon workers and communities are threatened when American companies are forced to compete with illegal foreign imports. Stopping the importation of illegal timber helps protect the environment, supports living wage jobs and levels the playing field for American manufacturers.”