NEWS

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to release a stringent air quality standard for "fine particulate matter." While the standard would primarily affect large facilities in the wood industry, it is also likely to impact smaller operations and downstream manufacturers. In addition, this standard will affect the many areas of the country that are exposed to smoke from forest fires.

The U.S. General Services Administration designated red oak as the material of choice for floorboards and cargo beds in military vehicles. The goal is to use northern red oak, which GSA characterizes as having "the least concern for extinction," instead of hardwoods from endangered tropical forests.

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The farm bill, reauthorized every five years, includes forestry provisions that impact the U.S. hardwood industry. The Hardwood Federation is urging members and those in our industry to contact members of Congress. What's at stake: hardwood export promotion funding, timber innovation for the Building Rural Communities Act, and the Jobs in the Woods Act.

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Another step forward: the Hardwood Access and Program Development Act has been introduced in U.S. Congress. This important bill would provide $25 million to educate consumers and building and design professionals on the environmental and economic benefits of choosing hardwoods.

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Businesses continue to advocate to extend important provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that are due to expire. A bill that would restore business interest deductions, the R&D tax credit, and full expensing of equipment passed the U.S. House of Representatives, with strong bipartisan support, and has been sent to the Senate.

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