Senate Resolution Supports U.S. Hardwood Use

Washington, DC, Aug. 11, 2010--The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution supporting hardwood as an environmentally preferable building material.

The Resolution, S. Res. 411, recognizes that U.S. hardwoods are an abundant, sustainable, and legal resource under U.S. law.  The Senate also mandates that United States hardwoods and products derived from United States hardwoods be given full consideration in any program to promote construction of environmentally preferable commercial, public, or private buildings.

The Resolution specifically identifies hardwood trees grown in the U.S. as an abundant, sustainable, and legal resources as documented annually by the Forest Inventory and Analysis Program of the U.S. Forest Service.

The Department of Agriculture analysis shows that inventory of U.S. hardwood has more than doubled during the past 50 years.

The legislation was supported by the Hardwood Federation, a coalition of more than 30 associations, including the National Wood Flooring Association.