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US Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson and Andrea Salinas introduced the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act. This bipartisan legislation provides incentives for the use of mass timber building materials in federal contracting, giving timber and other forest products companies the ability to compete for construction, renovation, or acquisition of public buildings, and for military construction. Source: Timberbiz The bill creates a two-tier contracting preference for mass timber and other innovative wood projects. The first-tier preference applies to mass timber that is made within the US and responsibly sourced from state, federal, private, and Tribal forestlands. The optional second tier applies to mass timber products that are sourced from restoration practices, fire mitigation projects, and forest owners. Additionally, this bill contains a reporting requirement for a whole building lifecycle assessment. The results of this assessment will help provide additional evidence of the environmental benefits of the use of timber and forest products in buildings. “Timber and forest products have long been an important economic engine for the hardworking families and rural communities of Pennsylvania,” Mr 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.” Ms Salinas said that Oregon has always been a leader in the US mass timber industry, which has supported economic growth across the Pacific Northwest. “Our wood products are sustainable and cost-effective building materials,” she said. “Incentivizing the use of mass timber in federal buildings will expand our state’s industry, support good jobs, and drive down the cost of construction, which will help address the housing crisis. By supporting Oregon timber, we reduce wildfire risk, increase forest resiliency, and shrink the carbon footprint of federal buildings.” Amy Shields, Executive Director of the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG) applauded Congressman Thompson for introducing the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act of 2026. “Federal leadership in mass timber construction sends exactly the right signal to spur the research, innovation, and private sector investment needed to grow this market,” said Ms Shields. “The legislation strengthens forest health, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania’s emerging hardwood CLT and mass timber sector, and delivers meaningful economic and workforce benefits for the forest reliant communities of the Allegheny region and across the Commonwealth. We’re grateful for Congressman Thompson’s steadfast support of America’s forest products industry, both softwood and hardwood, as we work together to build a stronger, more sustainable future.”

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