Six environmental groups filed suit yesterday against the federal government, arguing that they should have seats on two federally established committees that advise the U.S. on forest product trade issues. The committees are now composed solely of industry representatives, despite a federal law requiring them to be “fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented,” says Patti Goldman of the Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund. The committees are pushing for the government to eliminate timber product tariffs worldwide at the World Trade Organization meeting that begins in November in Seattle, a move that enviros claim would likely increase the use of forest products and accelerate deforestation.
