Articles
RILA Welcomes Common Sense Consensus Solutions on Lacey Act
July 17, 2009
Washington, DC —The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today applauded the release of a consensus statement on the Lacey Act amendments signed by importers, non-governmental organizations, and domestic wood and paper producers.
The consensus statement, which was organized by RILA and signed by 37 organizations, offers constructive solutions to facilitate compliance with the Lacey Act amendments and prevent illegal logging while mitigating the burden on importers. The Lacey Act amendments were included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
"RILA strongly supports efforts to address illegal logging and welcomes a pragmatic effort to achieve that goal without disrupting legitimate commerce," said Stephanie Lester, RILA's vice president for international trade. "The consensus statement provides constructive, common-sense solutions, and we encourage policymakers to implement them expeditiously."
RILA is a trade association of the largest and most successful companies in the retail industry. Its member companies include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales. RILA members operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, have facilities in all 50 states, and provide millions of jobs domestically and worldwide.
The consensus statement, which was organized by RILA and signed by 37 organizations, offers constructive solutions to facilitate compliance with the Lacey Act amendments and prevent illegal logging while mitigating the burden on importers. The Lacey Act amendments were included in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
"RILA strongly supports efforts to address illegal logging and welcomes a pragmatic effort to achieve that goal without disrupting legitimate commerce," said Stephanie Lester, RILA's vice president for international trade. "The consensus statement provides constructive, common-sense solutions, and we encourage policymakers to implement them expeditiously."
RILA is a trade association of the largest and most successful companies in the retail industry. Its member companies include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales. RILA members operate more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers, have facilities in all 50 states, and provide millions of jobs domestically and worldwide.
