Central Wisconsin News

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Ann Kuster (NH-02) have come together to introduce a bipartisan legislation that aims to support the domestic hardwood products industry. The bill, known as H.R. 6880 or the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act, allows the Secretary of Agriculture to authorize grants that will strengthen domestic industry efforts and research, specifically focusing on providing end-user information about the benefits of hardwood products.

Under this legislation, various non-profits, universities, and other eligible applicants will be able to conduct research on the low carbon footprint and sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products. The goal is to educate the public about the advantages of using these products, both for the environment and the economy.

Congressman Tiffany emphasizes the importance of informing consumers about the sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin. He states, "Wisconsin is home to numerous hardwood manufacturers, and this important legislation will inform consumers on the sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products. I will continue to promote Made in America wood products that benefit our environment and economy."

Congresswoman Kuster highlights the quality of hardwood products produced by New Hampshire's hardwood foresters and emphasizes the need to support them. She says, "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. 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."

The importance of this legislation is also acknowledged by industry experts. Dana Lee Cole, Executive Director of the Hardwood Federation, emphasizes the significance of research and education funding for the hardwood industry. She states, "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 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."

Troy Brown, President of Kretz Lumber in Antigo, WI, emphasizes the importance of providing decision makers with accurate data about sustainable hardwood products. He states, "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."

Jameson French, President and CEO of Northland Forest Products in Kingston, NH, emphasizes the environmentally friendly nature of hardwood products and the need for science-based data to support this claim. He states, "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 of the science-based data that supports our claims as one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available."

The Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act aims to provide the necessary resources and funding to promote the domestic hardwood industry. With the support of bipartisan lawmakers and industry experts, this legislation seeks to educate consumers, strengthen the economy, and ensure the sustainability of domestically produced hardwood products.

For the full text of the Hardwood Products Access and Development Program Act, click here.