Green Building - A Green Building Task Force was created at the HF February Board meeting to establish a unified voice and principles behind green building policy. The taskforce will address public policy and green building guidelines to gain appropriate recognition of the important role of hardwoods in proposed federal regulation and legislation.

Trade/Competition - The International Trade Commission report on global competitive conditions for U.S. hardwood flooring and plywood industries is expected this summer. The HF supported Lacey Act amendment to combat trade in illegally harvested wood is an amendment to the Farm Bill. Final legislation is expected to pass with Farm Bill or as a stand alone bill.

USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service has proposed an increase in export certification fees to cover operations. Discussions are ongoing on how best to address this issue. A viable option that is being developed between the National Hardwood Lumber Association and the USDA is to gain acceptance of the Kiln Drying certificates for hardwood export shipments.

Alternative Energy/Climate Change - Congress will continue to address Energy related issues in 2008. Legislation supporting the use of renewable biofuels will continue to emerge. The Climate Change debate is ongoing but not expected to pass this year. HF will support those policies that most effectively address the energy interests of the industry.

For a complete list and description of 2008 HF priority issues, please click on ‘Issues’ in the tool bar.