The Lacey Act targets trafficking in illegally sourced wildlife, plants and plant products. Under the Act, for example, it is unlawful to import, sell, receive and purchase various products that were taken and exported in violation of foreign laws; violations can trigger both civil forfeiture and criminal penalties. Congress expanded the Lacey Act in 2008 to include certain “plant products,” including products made from wood, to address concerns primarily relating to illegal logging overseas, and to add a declaration requirement that applies to importers of plant products.
These 2008 revisions have been the subject of considerable media attention in connection with recent federal enforcement actions, and a bill to amend those provisions has been introduced in the House. Meanwhile, the USDA is conducting a statutorily mandated review of the implementation and declaration requirements of the law.
The Washington Foreign Law Society was pleased to co-sponsor a panel discussion on the implementation of the 2008 Lacey Act amendments and the various proposals to adjust them. Speakers included representatives from the Department of Justice Environmental Crimes Section, the Environmental Investigation Agency, and the International Wood Products Association.
The panel took place on Thursday, January 5, at 8:30am-10:00am, at the offices of Beveridge & Diamond, 1350 I Street NW, Washington DC 20005.
This event was co-sponsored with the Washington Foreign Law Society, the Environmental Law Institute, ABA SEER International Environmental Law Committee, DC Bar Section on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources.
