Wednesday, November 26, 2025
A new bipartisan bill, the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act, has been introduced in the US Congress. The bill, championed by Representatives Dan Newhouse (Republican, Washington) and Teri Sewell (Democrat, Alabama), aims to provide significant support to the US lumber industry. With a focus on reducing wildfire risks, the SAWMILL Act allows timber mills to retool and modernise their infrastructure, facilitating forest thinning and prescribed burning efforts to help mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires.
The SAWMILL Act has garnered support from both sides of the aisle and is also backed by key legislators in the US Senate. Senators Jeff Merkley (Democrat, Oregon) and Tim Sheehy (Republican, Montana) introduced the bill in the Senate. The legislation unlocks federal funds aimed at modernising sawmills and wood processing facilities, enabling them to process hazardous fuels from public lands. The bill also facilitates access to low-interest, long-term loans, which will allow timber mills to upgrade their infrastructure.
Impact on Wildfire Risk and Rural Communities
Representative Dan Newhouse praised the bill’s potential impact on the Pacific Northwest, stating, “Washington State’s timber industry supplies our region with good-paying jobs, helps reduce the risk of wildfires, and is a tool in responsibly managing our forests.” The SAWMILL Act, according to Newhouse, empowers timber mills to expand and grow, while benefiting rural communities that rely on a thriving local timber industry. By supporting timber mill operations, the legislation aims to provide long-term economic benefits while helping reduce the risk of wildfires, a growing concern in many parts of the country.
Teri Sewell, who represents Alabama, highlighted the challenges faced by rural landowners, especially when it comes to accessing sawmills and processing infrastructure. “Alabama’s rural landowners often struggle to access sawmills and processing infrastructure, limiting property values and conservation efforts,” Sewell stated. The SAWMILL Act addresses these challenges by expanding access to sawmills and opening up new markets for landowners. This, in turn, encourages better land management and conservation efforts across rural communities.
Permanent Authorization of TPEP Program
A key element of the SAWMILL Act is the permanent authorization of the Timber Production Expansion Loan Guarantee Program (TPEP). This program provides low-interest, long-term loans to timber and wood processing companies, primarily supporting facilities that process hazardous fuels. By allowing these companies to invest in upgrading their equipment and infrastructure, the program helps promote better forest management practices and reduces the threat of wildfires.
The TPEP program has already received backing from several prominent industry groups, including the American Wood Council, American Forests, and The Lumber Manufactory (TLM). Jackson Morrill, President and CEO of the American Wood Council, stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening sawmills, noting that these facilities directly employ nearly half a million Americans. “When a mill closes, the whole community suffers, and some unfortunately never recover,” Morrill said.
Industry Leaders Back the SAWMILL Act
The SAWMILL Act has been lauded as a significant step forward for the wood processing industry. Rebecca Turner, Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer at American Forests, called the bill a “win-win-win” for taxpayers, forests, and rural communities. “The SAWMILL Act is essential for promoting healthy forests, saving taxpayer dollars, and helping rural communities thrive,” she said.
Michael Grasso, CEO of TLM, also voiced strong support for the legislation, describing it as “a vital tool to revitalise our country’s sawmill and wood processing infrastructure, while also supporting healthy forest management, wildfire mitigation, and stimulating economic opportunity.” Grasso further emphasized that the SAWMILL Act aligns with the goals outlined in the Trump Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production, which was issued earlier this year.
Legislation’s Long-Term Impact on Timber Industry and Wildfire Prevention
The SAWMILL Act represents a comprehensive effort to address multiple challenges faced by the US timber industry, particularly in relation to wildfire prevention and forest health. By retooling timber mills and providing better access to forest thinning, the bill promotes responsible forest management and contributes to reducing the wildfire risks that have become a significant concern in many areas.
This legislation is expected to boost the US timber industry by creating new opportunities for rural landowners and providing essential support to timber mills. With the backing of federal funds and a focus on sustainability, the SAWMILL Act will play a crucial role in promoting the long-term health of US forests, strengthening local economies, and reducing the devastating effects of wildfires.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Forest Management and Rural Economies
The SAWMILL Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that addresses critical issues facing the US timber industry. By enabling timber mills to modernise their infrastructure and process hazardous fuels, the bill will help reduce the risk of wildfires, support healthy forest management, and drive economic growth in rural communities. As both Democrats and Republicans join forces to pass this bill, the SAWMILL Act demonstrates the power of bipartisan cooperation in addressing environmental and economic challenges. The act’s long-term impact promises to be transformative, benefiting not only the timber industry but also the forests and communities that depend on it.
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Tags: forest thinning, rural communities, SAWMILL Act, U.S. Timber Mills, US Congress, wildfire prevention, wood processing
