Late last month, the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee introduced S 2892, the Timber Innovation Act, a bill aimed at promoting cross-laminated timber and wood products for low- to mid-rise buildings. The bill creates federal grants for states and local communities to support and accelerate the use of wood in tall buildings and also establishes a research program on promoting and developing tall wood building construction. The bill is strongly supported by the American Wood Council (AWC), American Forest Foundation (AFF), Binational Softwood Lumber Council (BSLC) and Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (SLMA). The bill was introduced by Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and cosponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Thad Cochran (R-MS) and John Tester (D-MT). 

 

NRMCA has introduced a targeted campaign in cooperation with other concrete and building trade organizations to ensure that S 2892 does not become law. NRMCA began meeting with targeted Members of Congress last week to educate them on the negative impacts of S 2892. The message highlights that the federal government should not be choosing winners and losers in material specification. As well, federal funding should not advance the use of particular wood products over other construction materials or artificially provide preference for any building materials – especially building materials that are untested and have not been fully vetted through a comprehensive, cradle to grave life cycle assessment.