U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Steve Daines (R-MT) led a bipartisan group of senators on Tuesday in introducing a bill to expedite research and development for wood construction.
The bipartisan Timber Innovation Act would take steps to identify ways that wood can be used in the construction of buildings at heights above 85 feet, or seven stories.
“Idaho is recognized as a national leader in wood products research and development,” Crapo said. “It is natural that Idahoans help foster the next major development for the industry, that of taller, wood-frame construction. This legislation will fuel jobs and research good for both consumers and industry.”
Wood is rarely used in buildings that exceed three or four stories, but new developments in wood product engineering and additional new technologies could change that.
“Innovative technology is creating new markets for Montana’s abundance of wood,” Daines said. “I’m proud to champion legislation that will create jobs in Montana by encouraging the increased use of wood in tall buildings, which is an exciting opportunity for Montana’s wood products workers.”
Under the bill, investments would be incentivized in the National Forest Products Lab and colleges that perform research and development on new methods for wood construction.
“Advancing the construction of tall wood buildings will help lower the cost of building construction and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-intensive materials,” Robert Glowinski, the president and CEO of the American Wood Council, said. “This in turn helps avoid production of greenhouse gases that would have otherwise been emitted during manufacture of alternative products. Tall wood building construction will also support jobs in areas of rural America that have yet to recover from the recession. Given the many national benefits that would occur as a result of bill’s passage, the United States has an opportunity to accelerate and lead in the adoption of tall wood buildings and significantly expand markets for wood products.”