Tuesday, April 21, 2026
The American Wood Council (AWC) encourages the U.S. House of Representatives to address the ongoing permitting gridlock and regulatory challenges limiting American manufacturing by passing the FENCES Act (H.R. 6409), FIRE Act (H.R. 6387), and the RED Tape Act (H.R. 6398) to help ease the unnecessary permitting burdens on American manufacturing. Together, these Acts would help modernize the air permitting process and clarify regulatory standards that hinder economic growth and infrastructure modernization.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledges that six principal air pollutants have fallen significantly since 1970. However, mills today are dealing with shrinking permitting “headroom” exacerbated by exceptional events, like wildfire, that are complicating permitting.
“Passing these Acts and addressing implementation issues related to air permitting are critical to allow the U.S. wood products industry to innovate and continue to support environmental progress and economic opportunity in manufacturing communities,” said Tim Hunt, AWC Vice President of Environment.
These Acts will help address some of the key issues in the implementation of the Clean Air Act by requiring revisions to how air quality data is used and addressing emissions from outside the U.S.
AWC urges the House of Representatives to act on these bills and supports the continued collaboration between Congress and the EPA to address permitting barriers while protecting the American people.
The American Wood Council (AWC) represents 87.5 percent of the structural wood products industry and the almost 465,000 men and women working family-wage jobs in mills across the country. From dimension lumber to engineered wood products, we champion the development of data, technology, and standards to ensure the best use of wood products and recognition of their unique sustainability and carbon-reduction benefits.
What AWC does?
They partner in the development of sound policies, codes, and regulations that allow for the appropriate and responsible manufacture and use of wood products in their built environment.
AWC represents an industry that provides more than 450,000 men and women in the United States with family-wage jobs. They are a leader in developing engineering data, technology, and standards for wood products.
“We are committed to ensuring their safe and efficient application, and educating about wood design, green building policy, and resiliency. We maintain an active presence on behalf of industry interests and advocate for balanced policies that impact wood products.”
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