Newest Laws Benefiting the Hardwood Industry
- ENFORCEMENT OF WEIGHT LIMITS FOR OVERWEIGHT LOADS (Karickhoff, M)
Defines “aggregate”. Provides that a penalty for transporting a load in excess of the registered limit of the load for the transporting vehicle does not apply to a vehicle or combination of vehicles that transports aggregate if the weight of the vehicle with load does not exceed the gross weight limit and the axle weight limit by more than 10%. Provides for when the department of state revenue (department) may assess a civil penalty for a vehicle or load that is in excess of the legal weight or dimensional limits. Provides for the penalties the department may charge for a violation. Urges the legislative council to assign to the appropriate interim study committee the task of studying civil penalty assessments and the enforcement of overweight loads as it pertains to the impact on state infrastructure. Full bill text: HB1204.06.ENRS.pdf (in.gov)
- EXEMPTION FROM PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS (Baird, B)
Provides that a forestry operation that conducts its operations in compliance with the Indiana Logging and Forestry Best Management Practices Field Guide published by the Indiana department of natural resources is exempt from any requirement to obtain a permit from the department of natural resources or the department of environmental management concerning forestry activities confined to a waterway that has a watershed not greater than 10 square miles. Defines forestry operation. Defines waterway. Full bill text: HB1601.05.ENRS.pdf (in.gov)
Visit the HARDWOOD FEDERATION to learn more about current issues.
IHLA-PAC exists to give our hardwood businesses a voice, and is the only organization that represents only the hardwood industry.
The goal of IHLA-PAC PAC is to provide direct monetary contributions to support those elected officials or candidates for state offices who support sustainable forestry, regardless of party affiliation or stances on other issues. These offices include Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Senators, and State House members.
Why should you give to the IHLA-PAC?
We improve our chances of getting the right people in office who support our cause. It levels the playing field for small businesses. It gives us the opportunity to participate politically. It makes IHLA and OUR industry visible. It’s an investment in YOUR future.
Who can give to the IHLA-PAC?
Individuals and businesses can give to the IHLA-PAC. Our contributions range from $25 to $2000 annually, and all are useful and appreciated. We need more companies giving, so smaller amounts are quite welcome. When we give in numbers, we can make a significant difference with the legislation that supports our industry. Again, your contribution is an investment in YOUR future. We need your help.
Regardless of your feelings about politics or politicians in general, the fact remains that decisions are made every day that affect your business and your industry. By being a part of the process, we make sure that we are at the table, but not “on the menu!”
Those who participate in the process determine the fate of those who do not. Please support IHLA-PAC as we work to look after YOUR interests.
If you don’t care about your industry, who will? Decisions are made every day that affect you. Do you want to be a player in those decisions, or a victim?
If you want to see a first-hand example of a current issue which could affect the entire industry, and eventually the private landowners who rely on the Division of Forestry for vital services and expertise, please click here to watch IHLA’s latest video on the battle for the state forests.