USFS Opens Wood Innovation Grant Opportunity During Forest Products Week

The U.S. Forest Service announced today the availability of $34 million in grants through the Wood Innovation Grant, Community Grant Wood and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance programs. Each of these programs has provided essential funding to U.S. companies in past cycles and we anticipate additional dollars will be allocated to the sector in this most recent round. The grants were announced as part of National Forest Products Week, a week dedicated each year by the White House in the recognition of the economic and environmental benefits of our nation’s forests and acknowledgement of the role forest management plays in safeguarding forest health, while at the same time delivering sustainable wood products.  This year Forest Products Week kicked off on October 20 and will run through the 25th.

House Natural Resources Chair Westerman (R-AR) Takes on NEPA Reform

House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) has released a draft bill to reform the cumbersome National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting processes.  Although originally focusing on the energy sector, the bill is evolving into a broader vehicle, reducing the time necessary to obtain a permit and requiring courts to conclude legal challenges related to NEPA permits within 120 days.  According to Hill staff, the bill may move during the lame duck session following the election. The Federation will keep you posted on developments. 

Make Your Voice Heard!  Share Your Views on OSHA’s Proposed Heat Rule

The feds have proposed first time ever workplace heat standards that would impose more red tape on sawmills and other manufacturers.  The Federation wants your feedback on the proposal so that we can strengthen the comments we plan to submit to the agency.  Specifically, how would a federal heat standard impact your operations and your bottom line?  Here are three key take-aways from the proposal:

• It requires employers to draft a workplace Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP) with site-specific information to control “heat hazards.” 
• Implements control measures triggered by a heat index of 80 degrees that include cool drinking water and break areas, requiring a sawmill to monitor the temperature and heat index at various locations during business hours. 
• Requires more control measures when heat index reaches 90 degrees, including mandatory rest breaks of 15 minutes every two hours. 

If you find the above workplace rules burdensome, please share your perspectives with Bryan Brendle at Bryan.Brendle@hardwoodfederation.com. To read more about OSHA’s proposal, click here. 

Make a Difference in Washington, DC! As 2024 enters the final quarter, please consider a corporate contribution to the Hardwood Federation to support services related to the Federation’s activities that promote the U.S. hardwood industry through advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and the Administration. With a crucial election just a few short weeks away, 2025 will present new challenges and opportunities to promote the industry.  For more information on supporting the Federation, please click here.