The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed H. Res. 81,
which recognizes the importance and sustainability of the United States hardwoods industry and urges that United States hardwoods and the products derived
from United States
hardwoods be given full consideration in any program directed at constructing
environmentally preferable commercial, public, or private buildings.
Representative
Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) sponsored the legislation, which was supported by the
Hardwood Federation, a coalition of more than 30 associations, including the
NWFA, representing the interests of the United States hardwood industry. The U.S. hardwood industry employs
millions of families throughout the country, representing thousands of jobs in
nearly every state and hundreds of Congressional districts.
This
legislation recognizes the sustainability of United States hardwoods in a
global marketplace that is giving increased emphasis on the procurement of
hardwood from sustainable, legally harvested forests as a result of the U.S.
Lacey Act and an increased interest in green building. Green building is gaining momentum in the United States
as it saves energy, protects the environment, and encourages the use of
renewable resources such as wood.
American hardwoods meet all of these criteria.
U.S. House recognizes importance of hardwoods
September 29, 2009
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