Washington, D.C. — Representatives Annie Kuster (NH-02) and Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced bipartisan legislation to support domestic hardwood products. H.R. 6880, the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act, permits the Secretary of Agriculture to authorize grants that bolster domestic industry efforts and research that directly supports end-user information on the benefits of hardwood products. 

This will allow various non-profits, universities, and other eligible applicants to research the low carbon footprint and sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products to educate the public on the benefits of these products. 

“New Hampshire’s hardwood foresters generate some of the highest-quality products in the world – we need to ensure they have the support to continue serving their customers,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “American-grown hardwood offers an incredible opportunity to create more sustainable, durable products in countless industries right here at home. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation today to support our wood producers and strengthen our economy and supply chains.”

“Wisconsin is home to numerous hardwood manufacturers, and this important legislation will inform consumers on the sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products,”  said Congressman Tiffany. “I will continue to promote Made in America wood products that benefit our environment and economy.”

“The U.S. hardwood industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry supporting over 1.8 million jobs, mostly in rural, underserved areas. Although wood products are widely recognized as sustainably produced and have significant carbon storage capacity, public awareness and recognition of these qualities is limited. The domestic industry and domestically produced products, including flooring, cabinetry, doors, mouldings, railway ties, pallets and other hardwood building and infrastructure products will benefit greatly from the much needed research and education dollars through the enactment of the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act. This essential funding will help sustain and grow the hardwood companies and their employees in rural, agricultural communities across the country,” said Dana Lee Cole, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation.

“Consumers around the world express a strong preference for U.S. hardwood home finishings and furnishings but are often confused by the mixed messages they receive from non-sustainable competitor products. The Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act will put important data into the hands of decision makers and allow them to make the best choices for their homes and the environment,” said Troy Brown, President of Kretz Lumber in Antigo, WI.

“The U.S. hardwood industry is proud of the products we produce and the forest, carbon reduction and storage as well as home health benefits that are realized from modern forest management practices that supply the raw materials to our mills. The Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act will facilitate the development and sharing the science-based data that supports our claims as one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available,” said Jameson French, President and CEO, Northland Forest Products, Kingston, NH.

The full text of the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act can be found here.

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