The Hardwood Federation produces a “D.C. Cheat Sheet” newsletter to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest news from Washington D.C. Check out the October 27th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
Sen. Manchin Seeks HF Input During “Lame Duck” Session
During a meeting with staff in the office of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), the Hardwood Federation discussed potential legislative efforts, new and existing, to promote the use of hardwood products within the context of low-carbon construction materials. Building on the conversation, Sen. Manchin’s staff requested recommended language that could be included within the “America’s Revegetation and Carbon Sequestration Act” (S. 4835), a bill that promotes carbon storage within federal buildings. Senate staff mentioned that the Energy and Natural Resources Committee will mark-up S. 4835 at some point after the November election and solicited ideas on how to improve the bill moving forward.
UN Study Predicts Increased Wood Consumption Trends
The United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization has released a report showing that under a “business as usual scenario,” global demand for finished and processed wood products will increase by 37 percent by 2050. The study characterizes wood as “renewable, recyclable, [and] climate friendly” and as a natural substitute for less sustainable materials. The report also underscores the important role of effective forest management as a perquisite to meet demand by “encouraging wood production as part of land restoration programs and projects.”
Hardwood Industry, Allies Urge Continued Labor Talks to Avoid Strike
Today, the Hardwood Federation joined more than 250 industry allies in a letter to President Biden urging him to use the power of the bully pulpit to expedite a final agreement between the railroads and workers. While the industry applauds the President’s effective engagement earlier this fall resulting in a tentative agreement, the group cautions that recent rejection of the agreement could lead to a nationwide strike, paralyzing the nation’s transportation system. The industry concludes that the administration’s ability to avoid a strike in mid-September can be refocused to help push a final contract over the finish line.
Source: Hardwood Federation