Kilmer Sees Economic Opportunity in USDA's Announcement Regarding Innovative Wood Building Materials

Press Release

Today Representative Derek Kilmer released a statement in response to the USDA's announcement regarding its support of innovative, sustainable wood building materials to protect the environment and create jobs. According to a press release today from the USDA, "At a meeting hosted by the White House Rural Council today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new partnership to train architects, engineers and builders about the benefits of advanced wood building materials, and plans for a forthcoming prize competition to design and build high-rise wood demonstration projects."

"I'm convinced these new technologies represent an exciting opportunity for lower-cost, environmentally sensitive building materials," Representative Kilmer said. "I welcome this announcement from the USDA and I am committed to paving the way for these innovative products to be increasingly accepted in the building industry. The obligation to be good stewards of the environment and natural resources do not have to conflict with the desire to see increased economic opportunity and job creation."

Earlier this year, Representative Kilmer released the Olympic Economic Development Initiative, which included a focus on supporting innovation and promoting new market opportunities. Rep. Kilmer's initiative specifically highlighted the potential of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which is a new building material that is growing in popularity in both Canada and Europe due to its reduced impact on the environment, lower life cycle costs, and stability under seismic activity. A number of public and private entities in the Pacific Northwest are exploring how to make the best use of local resources, a skilled workforce, and mill infrastructure to develop and produce environmentally friendly, sustainable, and durable CLT products that can create jobs in local communities. For the past several months, the Representative's office has been working with environmental groups, the private sector, and educational institutions from the region to increase the Department of Defense's use of CLT and other engineered wood options.

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