NSSGA opposed lumber legislation

Pro-lumber members of the US House of Representatives introduced legislation that would direct government funding towards studying the benefits of wood over traditional construction materials in tall residential and commercial projects.

“NSSGA is very disappointed to see members of Congress foregoing marketplace fairness by using federal funding to show preference to one building material over another,” said Patrick Dunne, NSSGA communications director.

The Timber Innovation Act, H.R. 5628, is a companion to U.S. Senate bill S. 2892 and directs the United States Department of Agriculture to establish a research program to advance the construction of tall wood structures over 10 stories. Reps. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., Derek Kilmer, D-Wash., and Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, R-Wash., sponsored the House bill. The Senate legislation has 12 sponsors.

Dunne said the association was concerned about directing funds this way because little is known about the safety and long-term structural viability of tall wooden buildings. “Fire is one serious concern about a 10-story tall wooden building, both for occupants and any firefighters that would have to enter them in such an emergency,” he said. “There aren’t similar concerns with structures made of traditional building materials.”

NSSGA is already engaging Congress to oppose this legislation.

Adapted from press release by Rebecca Bowden

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/08072016/nssga-opposed-lumber-legislation-489/