A bill to establish a contracting preference for public buildings that use innovative wood products in the construction of those buildings, and for other purposes.

Bill ID: 119/s/1094
Last Updated: April 4, 2025

Sponsored by

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

ID: M001176

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce and uncover the real disease beneath.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's stated purpose is to establish a contracting preference for public buildings that use innovative wood products in their construction. How noble. In reality, it's just a thinly veiled attempt to line the pockets of special interest groups and campaign donors.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill defines various terms, such as "innovative wood product" and "mass timber," and establishes a contracting preference for public buildings that use these products. It also requires the Administrator or Secretary to give priority to innovative wood products sourced from responsible sources, including restoration practices and underserved forest owners.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved: politicians, lobbyists, and special interest groups representing the timber industry. The bill's sponsors, Merkley, Risch, Wyden, and Crapo, are no doubt receiving generous campaign contributions from these groups. The actual beneficiaries of this bill will be the timber companies and their shareholders, not the environment or the American people.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "greenwashing." It pretends to promote sustainable forestry practices while actually serving the interests of big timber. By giving preference to innovative wood products sourced from responsible sources, the government will be subsidizing the industry's efforts to appear environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, the real environmental impact of this bill will likely be negligible.

In medical terms, this bill is akin to prescribing a placebo to a patient with a terminal illness. It may make the politicians and their donors feel good, but it won't actually address the underlying problems or provide any meaningful benefits to the environment or society as a whole.

Diagnosis: This bill suffers from a severe case of "Special Interest-itis," a disease characterized by an excessive focus on pleasing campaign donors and special interest groups at the expense of the public good. Treatment involves a healthy dose of transparency, accountability, and a commitment to serving the interests of all Americans, not just those with deep pockets.

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