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 April 30th edition below and sign up to receive your copy.
Hardwood Federation Fly-In Registration Open! Hotel Block Ends May 18: The annual Hardwood Federation Fly-In to D.C. will take place on June 9-10, 2026. This is a great year to visit our nation’s capital…not only is it a chance to share your insights, concerns, and opportunities with your Members of Congress, it is also a great way to celebrate the United States’ 250th Birthday. Washington will be in full celebration mode in June, with plenty of special events to enjoy. Our agenda this year is tight and focused to make the best use of your valuable time. As in the past, we will start with a welcome reception on Tuesday, June 9 and spend Wednesday, June 10 on Capitol Hill meeting with your elected officials. We will end the day with two select PAC events for our friends on both sides of the aisle.
A limited block of rooms is available at the Fly-In Host Hotel, the Embassy Suites D.C. Convention Center. Register today to take advantage of our special rate. Click here to sign up for the Fly-In.
Effort to Include Woody Biomass in RFS Finds Falls Short in House Vote: Thursday morning, the full House voted down a Farm Bill amendment sponsored by Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR) that would have revised the definition of “renewable biomass” dictating what types of liquid transportation fuels are eligible for the biofuels volumetric production mandate known as the Renewable Fuel Standard. Currently, fuels derived from most forest-based biomass are ineligible. This amendment would have qualified for the RFS fuels derived from whole trees and residuals sourced from federal, state and private lands. The amendment failed on a recorded vote of 216-210.
The Hardwood Federation was working in support of the amendment, joining our landowner suppliers and other wood products groups. We still anticipate the Farm Bill (H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food and National Security Act) will clear the House later today and move to the Senate. We are hopeful the House action will jump start the Farm Bill rewriting process in the upper chamber. This action also sets up nicely in terms of timing for our Farm Bill advocacy during the June Fly-In.
The RFS renewable biomass debate is far from over. We anticipate continued efforts as the Senate proceeds with if Farm Bill reauthorization effort.
Source: Hardwood Federation