New West Network

Top Forest Service lawyer continues role as timber lobbyist

By Matthew Koehler, New West Unfiltered 9-07-07

The Associated Press reported earlier in the week that the U.S. Forest Service's top lawyer has left to take a job with the American Forest & Paper Association, the premier timber industry lobbying outfit in America.

This should hardly come as a surprise. The short AP article is below. However, it appears a typo was made in the title. It should read, "Top Forest Service lawyer to continue role as timber lobbyist."

Top Forest Service lawyer to become timber lobbyist

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Bush administration’s top lawyer for the U.S. Forest Service is leaving to take a job with the nation’s leading timber industry lobbying group.

Jan W. Poling, associate general counsel for natural resources at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be the new general counsel for the American Forest & Paper Association, the organization said Friday.

She is the second member of the administration to go to the industry group this year. In February, Dave Tenny, deputy undersecretary of agriculture for natural resources and environment, became vice president of forestry and wood products, a title formerly held by Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey with the group.

“Jan’s experience managing complex legal issues will add great value to AF&PA and its public policy mission,” AF&PA President Donna Harman said in a statement.

Previously, Poling served as an Alabama assistant attorney general, as an attorney in the U.S. Department of Interior solicitor’s office, and in the department’s congressional and legislative affairs office.