Rep. Schrier Highlights 8th District Economic and Environmental Priorities During Wood Products Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated in a Conservation and Forestry Subcommittee hearing on the wood products industry and how the industry can support climate-friendly infrastructure, jobs, and forest resiliency. During the hearing, Rep. Schrier discussed ways that the wood products industry supports the 8th Congressional District's economy. You can find Rep. Schrier's full remarks here.

"Support for the wood products industry, for example, through the development of a small diameter mill in Central Washington, has the potential to provide a unique combination of environmental, economic, and societal benefits," said Rep. Schrier. "This industry helps everyone: it reduces housing prices, creates material for cross-laminated timber, makes forests more resilient to wildfire, sequesters carbon, and provides jobs. It also has broad bipartisan support here in Congress. I look forward to working with the Biden Administration, Forest Service, and my colleagues on this Committee to support the wood products industry."

During her line of questioning, Representative Schrier sought answers on any current or foreseeable impediments to the development of new lumber mills on or near federal lands, as well as the benefits of small mills to forests, local communities, and rural economies.

In her remarks, Rep. Schrier also highlighted the innovative work with wood products being done by companies in the 8th district like Forest Concepts in Auburn, ways to make forest revitalization more cost effective, and ensuring Congress continues to support the wood products industry. The wood products industry directly employs about one million people and contributes over $5 billion dollars in state and local taxes. The United States is both the largest producer and the largest consumer of wood products in the world.