He also recognized that the bill was only a start on managing a complex problem. We conclude that the statute was intended to prohibit the purchase of only those species of tropical hardwoods listed in the statute. You also note that the prohibition contained in subsection 2 of the statute is subject to a number of exceptions. Legislative history provides little guidance on this question. Brazil is currently certifying their exports of tropical hardwoods that come from the managed forests currently under United Nations supervision.
Vendors can easily ascertain and certify that the products come from managed forests.
No definition of managed forests is included in section 165, nor did we locate any statutory definitions. We note that a number of independent non-profit organizations maintain wood products certification programs that evaluate the environmental performance of producers, including whether they practice sustained yield management. 122, No. 2, March 1995. The Attorney General renders formal opinions only to officers and departments of State government. This perforce is an informal and unofficial expression of the views of this office.