WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 7, 2017) — Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joined Rep. Suzan DelBene (WA-01) in introducing bipartisan legislation to support innovation in the timber industry and incentivize active forest management, the Timber Innovation Act. This legislation would open up new markets and create jobs for rural economies by providing research, assistance, and lower costs for the construction of tall wood buildings throughout the United States. It also encourages the use of cross laminated timber (CLT), which will provide new markets for the production of advanced wood buildings throughout Eastern Washington.

“Washington state, and especially northeastern Washington, depends on the timber industry as a way of life,” said McMorris Rodgers. “I’ve long advocated for good stewardship of our national forests, and The Timber Innovation Act is especially a win for towns like Colville, which relies on the Colville National Forest for economic growth. This legislation incentivizes active forest management and responsible forest thinning, which will reduce the risk of wildfires and better contain them if and when they break out. This is commonsense legislation that encourages economic innovation and keeps our forests healthy.”

Note: Rep. McMorris Rodgers also introduced this legislation with Rep. Suzan DelBene last congress, and continues to work to promote innovation in forest management. McMorris Rodgers has been a leader in working to support our federal forests and solve the problems facing the timber industry so we can get our forests working again. In February, the Congresswoman hosted a roundtable with the Congressional Working Forests Caucus to talk more about these issues and the future of our forests.

Also, in February, Rep. McMorris Rodgers led a letter to the Office of Management and Budget requesting the extension of the Secure Rural Schools program to help support our rural communities who have been impacted by the decline of the timber industry. She’s committed to continuing to work to make sure our forests are healthy, and that they are working and supporting our rural communities all across the country.

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