NWFA Lobbies EPA on Proposed Regulations

St. Louis, MO, Oct. 29, 2013 -- The National Wood Flooring Association recently submitted commentary to the Environmental Protection Agency on its proposed regulations of formaldehyde in composite wood products.

Specifically, the NWFA responded to concerns regarding new or expanded regulation covering producers of lumber core, veneer core, and bamboo flooring, as well as regulation of third-party certifiers.

An industry-wide task force of wood flooring industry leaders representing both domestic and international businesses was assembled through the NWFA’s Government Relations committee to prepare a balanced perspective representative of the membership’s diversity, NWFA said.

“Wood is naturally produced, lasts for centuries, and is biodegradable,” said Dan Natkin, director of wood and laminate for Mannington Mills and chairman of the NWFA Government Relations committee.

“It is one of the most environmentally positive building products available to consumers and is prized for its healthy contributions to our homes and offices. Yet despite all of these positive environmental qualities, the proposed EPA regulations could result in a toxic label on some of the flooring industry’s most sustainable products. The unintended consequences from these regulations could be significant decreases in the marketability of all types of engineered wood flooring, bamboo flooring, and laminate flooring, as well as leading to a further commoditization of the market.” 

NWFA voiced concern over proposed regulations in four areas:
1. The significant deviation from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) program
2. A short timeframe to become a certified company
3. The lack of protection of confidential business information
4. The inclusion of downstream fabricators who would absorb a double certification burden

“The task force felt very strongly that any expansion beyond CARB must be investigated further and urged the EPA to adopt regulations that closely mirror that existing program,” said Elizabeth Baldwin, environmental compliance officer for Metropolitan Hardwood Floors, who spearheaded the task force.

Related Topics:Mannington Mills, NWFA Expo