California Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar has vetoed proposed state legislation giving preferential treatment to Californian companies using environmentally sustainable forestry practicesCalifornia Governor Arnold Schwarzeneggar has vetoed proposed state legislation giving preferential treatment to Californian companies using environmentally sustainable forestry practices that would have discriminated against New Zealand timber imports.
It is understood NZ trade officials made representations to the State government about New Zealand’s sustainable forest practices and its unique plantation estate.
Forest Minister Jim Sutton has written to the governor thanking him for the support.
“California is a significant market for New Zealand timber, particularly with home-development DIY chains. On its own, it’s one of the larger economies in the world,” Mr Sutton told a public meeting in Palmerston North after the announced veto.