The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking criminal charges against Lumber Liquidators, the nation’s leading hardwood floor retailer, for allegedly importing flooring made from illegally harvested timber. Importing illegally sourced wood products is a violation of the Lacey Act, a landmark conservation law that is helping the United States lead the global fight against illegal logging.
In filings submitted today to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company revealed that it was served a grand jury subpoena by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Virginia in March, 2015 and that the Department of Justice was seeking criminal charges under the Lacey Act. The company is also facing more than 100 lawsuits in the wake of a 60 Minutes investigation finding that Lumber Liquidators sold flooring with toxic levels of formaldehyde.
This news comes more than a year after federal agents raided Lumber Liquidators’ headquarters, investigating whether the company had imported flooring made from wood harvested illegally in the Russian Far East—home of the last 450 Siberian tigers in the wild and their dwindling habitat. A report based on a multi-year undercover investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency, Liquidating the Forests, provides a sobering account of how Lumber Liquidators purchased flooring that had been illegally harvested in Russia and laundered by a Chinese supplier.
It is critical that the Department of Justice fully investigate the allegations that Lumber Liquidators imported flooring made from illegally harvested timber and, if true, hold the company accountable. Illegally sourced wood products drive deforestation around the world, harming communities and our climate, all while funding organized crime. Furthermore, imports of illegally sourced wood products cost U.S. companies $1 billion annually, threatening American workers and undercutting businesses that play by the rules.
There is strong support for enforcing the Lacey Act. Last year, a broad coalition of environmental, science and labor groups wrote the Obama administration, asking it to investigate violations of the Lacey Act and to hold bad actors accountable. Additionally, more than 100,000 Sierra Club members and supporters have written the administration asking for full implementation of the law.
Critical environmental protections only work if they are enforced. If you haven’t already done so, tell the Obama administration to fully enforce the law.