Sacramento – Amador County and California District 1 State Senator Dave Cox said that a modest bipartisan timber harvest plan – sent last week to the governor’s desk – will help the timber industry. Publicist for Senator Cox, Nghia (Knee-Uh) Demovic in an e-mail last week said the Timber Harvest Plan moved to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk with bipartisan support when it passed its final legislative hurdle last Thursday. The measure by Assemblyman Tony Mendoza (Democrat-Norwalk) would allow for more time to complete a Timber Harvest Plan. Cox said: “Sawmill workers and their employers have had a devastating year.” Cox said: “This modest measure provides a more reasonable and efficient Timber Harvest Plan review process that will enable the state to reduce its costs.” Demovic said “Assembly Bill 1066 extends the life of timber harvest plans from 5 to 7 years and reduces regulatory costs for private foresters until 2012.” She said “by reducing regulatory requirements without sacrificing environmental protection, this measure will make California-produced wood more competitive with its neighboring states.” Cox’s release cited “burdensome regulations” in recent years that “have doubled the costs for Timber Harvest Plan developments and reviews.” Demovic said “California’s timber companies pay approximately $60 per thousand board feet while those in Oregon pay a mere $8 per thousand board feet.” In March, Sierra Pacific Industries announced the closure of sawmills in Camino, Quincy and Sonora, after which more than 436 workers were laid off. Cox said “forestry issues are important to residents of the north state.” He said groups like the Sustainable Forest Action Coalition and the Quincy Library Group have been instrumental in highlighting these issues for policy-makers. Cox said: “With the state’s high unemployment rate, this measure provides a glimmer of hope for unemployed sawmill workers.” He said “Assemblyman Mendoza, all community leaders and businesses involved should be applauded for their dedication and hard work,” Sen. Cox added.” In District 1, Cox represents residents in all or portions of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Lassen, Placer, Plumas, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Sacramento and Sierra Counties. Contact his office at (916) 651-4001, or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Story by Jim Reece. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.