If Donald Trump’s first term was a comedy of errors, this one is already a horror show with a supporting cast of villains and Canada as an intended victim. The U.S. president made a rash of dangerous promises to get elected and just nine weeks in he is stalking his northern neighbour with a vengeance. …The hubris here is breathtaking. A century-and-a-half of proximate friendship and mutual dependence is in danger of evaporating. …The U.S. does need Canadian lumber. Canada is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of softwood lumber. In 2023, the U.S. imported 28.1 million cubic meters of softwood lumber from Canada – 30% of its supply – primarily for residential and commercial construction. Other sources such as Germany and Sweden can’t hope to match Canadian output. …The U.S. does need Canadian oil. …The U.S. does need Canadian natural gas. …The U.S. doesn’t need Canadian automobiles per se but it does need Canadian automakers.
Additional coverage in Prince George Daily News, by Peter Ewart: Which way Canada in the face of US tariffs?
Controlled burns are a key to Georgia’s strategy of preventing the kind of wildfires that are devastating the Los Angeles area… The fires in LA, fueled by historic drought and powerful Santa Ana winds, have raised questions about the vulnerabilities of other communities, particularly as human development spreads into wildlands. More frequent and more costly natural disasters, such as wildfires, have also contributed to surging home insurance costs nationwide. …Georgia lately has been averaging about 1,200 wildfires a year — a historical low, said Johnny Sabo, director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, which issues permits for controlled burns under proper conditions. He credited the state’s overall response and management for preventing most of those fires from getting out of hand. In Georgia, more than 90% of the state’s woodlands are in private hands, including commercial timberland that generates billions in economic impact each year, according to the forestry commission.
Georgia is the nation’s top forestry state, grappling with overproduction and the aftermath of severe storms which damaged timber supplies. Industry leaders and policymakers are turning to sustainable aviation fuel to boost the industry, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions. Sen. Larry Walker, R-Perry… said the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel from companies like Delta Air Lines highlights its potential. However, he emphasized expanding production requires strategic federal policies and research to ensure long-term growth. “To invest in a facility that manufactures SAF, it’s a huge investment. It’s a long-term proposition,” Walker stressed. “We need some certainty out of Washington what the public policy is going to be, what the incentives to create this industry are.” …Walker added state lawmakers plan to introduce bills during the 2025 legislative session to support forestry innovation and expand sustainable aviation fuel production in the state.