Daily News for July 27, 2026

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Business & Politics

New Clatskanie sawmill gets $30 million in government-backed loans

By Matthew Kish
The Oregonian
July 26, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US West

The federal government on Friday announced $30 million in loans for a new sawmill in Clatskanie, marking a rare bright spot for Oregon’s struggling timber industry. The money will come from a U.S. Department of Agriculture program. The Clatskanie Scion project, which will include construction and the installation of equipment, is expected to create at least 35 jobs. The mill will make industrial lumber products. It’s an expansion of the operations of Sheridan-based Myers Woodline. “In recent years, Oregon has seen numerous timber mills closing across the state,” Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a press release. …“This fresh investment for Clatskanie is great news that will generate good-paying sawmill jobs throughout Oregon’s northwest corner and help in the ongoing battle to reduce wildfire risks throughout our state,” Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden said in the press release.

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N.Y. pulp mill closure has New England loggers worried

By Matt Holderman & Ben Breen
My Champlain Valley
July 25, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

VERMONT – Potentially hundreds, if not thousands, of loggers and foresters around the Northeast have a new reason to worry, as a customer they’ve depended on for years will soon be going away. Finch Paper in Glens Falls, New York is closing its pulp mill – meaning one of the largest buyers of certain types of wood will soon no longer exist. …Katharine Servidio at the Vermont Department of Forests called the announcement very concerning and that it came as a surprise. “One of the challenges of this is that for some of the material, there is simply no other buyer in the region currently,” she said. …Along with looking for more potential buyers around the northeast, Governor Scott says the state is also looking north to pulp mills in Quebec – though he’s unsure if Canadian businesses would be willing partners right now amid President Trump’s tariff push.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Mississippi State University scientist recognized internationally for wood engineering research

By Ellis Rupp
Mississippi State University
July 24, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: US East, International

Laya Khademibami

STARKVILLE, Miss.—A Mississippi State assistant research professor is receiving international recognition for early career achievements in wood engineering, success that’s enhancing efficient, sustainable wood construction. MSU Forest and Wildlife Research Center’s Laya Khademibami has earned the Wood Engineering Achievement Award for Young Engineers from the Forest Products Society. The FPS, a global organization promoting advancements in forest products research, education and industry, recognized Khademibami during its international conference held this month in Eugene, Oregon. …Khademibami’s research focuses on improving long-term performance of structural insulated panels. Working with collaborators at MSU, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Products Laboratory and the Structural Insulated Panel Association, Khademibami cultivated a series of full-scale studies designed to answer questions about building code development. …“This award reinforces the importance of conducting research that not only advances scientific knowledge but also creates meaningful benefits for industry and society,” she said.

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Forestry

Oregon forges ahead with endangered species protections, despite federal changes

By April Ehrlich
Oregon Public Broadcasting
July 24, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

The Trump administration is drastically changing the way the country protects endangered species, potentially jeopardizing years of policymaking in Oregon. Still, Oregon land regulators are moving ahead with plans for protecting Oregon’s forests that are essential for endangered species, including marbled murrelets and spotted owls. …For more than six years, Oregon land agencies, conservationists and loggers have been crafting plans that will protect Oregon’s most sensitive habitats, while also helping landowners avoid lawsuits when their logging projects harm federally endangered species. …Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced it is removing the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, effective in September. …Last year, Gov. Tina Kotek and multiple Oregon state agencies submitted comments opposing the change. …“In Oregon, where approximately 53% of the land is federally managed, habitat protection is essential to ongoing conservation efforts,” Kotek wrote.

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