AWC ‘pleased’ with 2019 Farm Bill

12/13/2018
The American Wood Council (AWC) the 2019 Farm Bill provides to right initiatives for additional research of mass timber.

The bill, passed in the House of Representatives on Nov. 12 by a 386-47 vote while receiving strong bipartisan support, includes the Research Title and Wood Innovation Grant language from the Timber Innovation Act. A separate clarification on what constitutes a “USDA Certified Biobased Product” under federal procurement guidelines is also included.

In a statement issued by the AWC, council president and CEO Robert Glowinski said, “Innovation is something everyone can agree on. We are pleased that the final Farm Bill promotes further research and development into mass timber, an emerging category of wood products that will revolutionize how America builds. Use of mass timber will allow the United States to build tall buildings out of renewable, carbon-sequestering materials.”

The bill was passed by the Senate on Nov. 11 by an 87-13 vote and is now in the hands of President Trump after approval from the House.

“AWC thanks the conferees for their time and dedication reconciling their respective Farm Bills. The leadership of House Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN), and Senate Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), as well as the over 50 bipartisan cosponsors of the Timber Innovation Act in both the House and Senate, produced a bill that supports our nation’s forest products industry. We encourage the President to quickly sign this bill into law,” Glowinski said.

The AWC says it represents 86% of the structural wood products industry, particularly wood product manufacturers, and advocates for government policies that affect wood products.

 

 
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