EU Poised to Delay Anti-Deforestation Law by a Year

The European Commission has proposed delaying by one year the implementation of a law banning the import of commodities linked to deforestation after industry pressure. Set to take effect in less than 90 days, on Dec. 30, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will require companies importing products such as soy, beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, timber, and rubber to prove their supply chains did not contribute to deforestation, or else face hefty fines. The EU says the legislation is “a key building block” in its climate-action agenda and to address biodiversity loss, but critics within the industry argue that the EUDR will disrupt supply chains. Some ecologists also warn that the legislation may do more harm to biodiversity than it intends to solve....