US lawmakers introduce mass timber federal building act to Boost Sustainable Construction

Published on July 3, 2026 Time: loading...

A bipartisan proposal aimed at increasing the use of mass timber in federal construction projects has been introduced in the United States House of Representatives, marking another step towards wider adoption of engineered wood products across the country’s construction sector. Although the legislation must complete a lengthy approval process before becoming law, industry stakeholders regard the proposal as an important development for sustainable construction and the forestry economy.

The proposed legislation, known as the Mass Timber Federal Building Act, has been introduced by Representative Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania and Representative Andrea Salinas of Oregon. The measure seeks to encourage the use of mass timber building materials in federal procurement by providing incentives for their consideration during the construction, renovation and acquisition of government buildings, including military facilities.

If enacted, the legislation would create additional opportunities for timber producers and forest product manufacturers to compete for federal contracts. Supporters believe the proposal could strengthen domestic manufacturing while expanding markets for innovative wood-based construction materials.

Representative Thompson highlighted the significance of responsible forest management in supporting the country’s timber resources. He stated that forests, including Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest, represent valuable natural assets when managed sustainably. He also noted that expanding demand for advanced timber products would create new commercial opportunities for foresters and wood processing businesses across the state.

The proposal has also received strong backing from Representative Salinas, who emphasised Oregon’s long-standing position within the American mass timber industry. She said the state’s wood products sector has contributed significantly to economic growth throughout the Pacific Northwest. Sustainable timber materials, she added, provide a cost-effective construction solution while supporting wider environmental objectives.

Salinas also argued that encouraging greater use of mass timber in federal buildings could help stimulate employment, strengthen regional manufacturing and reduce overall construction costs. Lower building costs may contribute to addressing housing supply challenges. Additional benefits were also identified through improved forest management practices, including reduced wildfire risks, stronger forest resilience and lower carbon emissions associated with government construction projects.

A companion measure has also been introduced in the United States Senate by Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and James Risch of Idaho. Similar proposals have been presented during previous congressional sessions. However, the legislative process remains extensive before either bill could receive final approval. Both proposals will require consideration through multiple stages before any new policy is implemented.

Despite the lengthy legislative pathway, support from the timber and forestry industries continues to grow. Many organisations believe expanded use of engineered timber could strengthen both environmental performance and economic resilience across rural communities.

The Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group welcomed the introduction of the legislation. Executive Director Amy Shields said the proposal would strengthen forest health while creating new opportunities for Pennsylvania’s developing hardwood cross-laminated timber and mass timber manufacturing sectors. She also noted that the measure could generate wider economic benefits alongside workforce development opportunities.

Industry representatives have also stressed the broader economic importance of expanding markets for innovative wood products. Dave Tenny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Alliance of Forest Owners, stated that stronger demand for advanced timber materials supports rural communities, domestic manufacturing and long-term forest stewardship. Increased opportunities for timber products within federal construction would also encourage sustainable forest management while helping maintain a skilled forestry workforce.

Momentum behind mass timber has continued to build across the United States in recent years. Engineered wood products are increasingly being considered for commercial, institutional and residential developments because of their structural performance and sustainability credentials. As governments and private developers pursue lower-carbon construction methods, interest in renewable building materials has continued to increase.

The proposed legislation reflects this wider shift within the construction industry. Greater policy support could accelerate investment throughout the timber supply chain while encouraging innovation across manufacturing, design and building practices. Demand for advanced wood products may also increase if federal procurement policies evolve in favour of sustainable construction materials.

Industry observers note that regulatory support often plays an important role in expanding emerging building technologies. Financial incentives and procurement opportunities can encourage wider market adoption while providing confidence for manufacturers and investors. The latest proposal seeks to create those conditions by increasing the visibility of mass timber within publicly funded projects.

Alongside legislative developments, education remains a priority for the sector. Construction professionals continue to explore advances in mass timber design, prefabrication techniques and engineered wood technologies through specialist industry events and technical learning programmes. These initiatives are helping to build greater understanding of timber construction while supporting future market growth.

Although the Mass Timber Federal Building Act has several legislative stages ahead, its introduction signals continued bipartisan interest in expanding sustainable building practices across the United States. Should the proposal eventually become law, it could strengthen the country’s timber industry, encourage responsible forest management and increase the role of mass timber within future federal construction projects.