A legislative committee reviewing West Virginia's tax code heard from a panel of academic experts at yesterday's meeting and WVFA was there. The Joint Select Committee on Tax Reform heard a panel including West Virginia University College of Business and Economics dean Jose V. "Zito" Sartarelli, WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research director John Deskins, and Marshall University Center of Business and Economic Research director Jennifer Shand. The agenda also included an overview of state tax issues and trends and tax reform efforts in other states from representatives of D.C.-based think tanks, including the Tax Foundation.

The restrictions the Fish & Wildlife Service’s interim final 4(d) rule imposes have been in effect now for a week—and numerous questions remain about landowners’ and wood buyers’ responsibilities. The confusion even extends to government authorities, with some requiring landowners and operators to suspend forest management activities in certain jurisdictions until August 15. WVFA continues to work to seek clarification and to provide a reality check on the policies’ real-world impacts. The public comment docket on the 4(d) rule is open until July 1, and FWS expects to issue a final 4(d) rule by the end of 2015.

In Washington, D.C., NLEB-related legislation sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) was the subject of a public hearing in early May. Also, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Kentucky) office is well aware of concerns around the listing and may look to move legislation addressing these concerns later this year.

On May 13, the full U.S. House Appropriations Committee passed a measure that would retain the current suspension of the Hours-Of-Service "Restart" provision unless the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s "study" of the provision’s impacts—now in progress—justifies the current structure of the Restart by some quite specific metrics. FRA had outlined the burdens the Restart provision lays on forest products trucking in letters to all House Appropriators on May 12, urging them to support language requiring the more robust study provisions. Once the full Appropriations bill passes on the House floor—considered likely—FRA will join allies in advocating identical language in the corresponding Senate bill.

Most drivers must follow the HOS Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV. In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:
Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
Is designed or used to transport nine or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards