U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) is leading a mass timber construction bill designed to spur the research, innovation, and private‑sector investment needed to grow the American market.
The congressman on May 29 sponsored the bipartisan Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act, H.R. 9080, alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR) to provide federal incentives for the use of mass timber building materials in federal contracting jobs.
“Timber and forest products have long been an important economic engine for the hard-working families and rural communities of Pennsylvania,” Rep. Thompson said. “American forests, such as the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, are tremendous natural resources, and when managed responsibly, they serve as a long-term source of high-quality timber.
“We aim to expand markets for timber and innovative wood products that Pennsylvania’s foresters and mills are ready to support,” he added.
H.R. 9080 would create a two-tier contracting preference for mass timber and other innovative wood projects. The first-tier preference would apply to mass timber that is made within the U.S. and responsibly sourced from state, federal, private, and Tribal forestlands.
The optional second tier would apply to mass timber products that are sourced from restoration practices, fire mitigation projects, and forest owners, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Thompson’s staff.
Additionally, H.R. 9080 would require a whole building lifecycle assessment to be reported, with the results being used to help provide additional evidence of the environmental benefits of the use of timber and forest products in buildings, the summary says.
“Incentivizing the use of mass timber in federal buildings will expand [my] state’s industry, support good jobs, and drive down the cost of construction, which will help address the housing crisis,” said Rep. Salinas. “By supporting Oregon timber, we reduce wildfire risk, increase forest resiliency, and shrink the carbon footprint of federal buildings.”
The bill has garnered support from the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, the National Alliance of Forest Owners, the Forest Landowners Association, and the American Forest Resource Council.
U.S. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and James Risch (R-ID) are leading the companion bill in the Senate.