Originally Posted by Redrob

Swampthing,

I hope that this position statement will answer you question about the secondary producers, the new proposed regulations and the actions of the FSC in response to the new proposed regulations. I'd like to give you a clearer answer; but, I can only speak for myself.



FSC Statement on 2257 New Regulations

It is important to recognize that the regulations that the Department of Justice has set forth today are simply proposed regulations, issued for comment and possible change.

FSC will extensively comment on the regulations, and we intend to launch an industry-wide campaign to solicit your comments as well. We need your participation in this process. In the coming days we will provide details on how to comment.

Some of the points set forth were expected, and they represent the modest gains that we have achieved through litigation thus far. Some of the other points are troubling and represent the intransigence which we have come to expect from Attorney General Gonzales and his associates.

On the critical subject of secondary producers, the Justice Department is continuing to suggest that it has been right all along and that Congress ALWAYS intended secondary producer to be included in 2257. Therefore they are considering the 1995 regulation to be valid for secondary as well as primary. We understand that for many of you it is simply impossible to comply with the Justice Department?s demands and that is one of the reasons why we will continue the fight.

Unless the final regulations change radically from those proposed today, FSC will continue our litigation at the appropriate place and time, including seeking another injunction for secondary producers as well as others.

At the end day we will make sure that federal judges understand the absurdity of these regulations, and we will not let up on our commitment to you and to your rights.