[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 81 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 81

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 15, 2009.
Whereas hardwood trees grown in the United States are an abundant, sustainable, 
        and legal resource, as documented by annually by the Forest Inventory 
        and Analysis Program of the United States Forest Service;
Whereas, despite development pressure and cropland needs, Department of 
        Agriculture data show that the inventory of United States hardwood has 
        more than doubled over the past 50 years;
Whereas the Department of Agriculture reports that annual United States hardwood 
        growth exceeds hardwood removals by a significant margin of 1.9 to 1, 
        and net annual growth has exceeded removals continuously since 1952;
Whereas the World Bank ranks the United States in the top 10 percent of all 
        countries for government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and rule of 
        law with respect to hardwood resources;
Whereas United States hardwoods have been awarded the highest conservation crop 
        rating available under the Department of Agriculture Environmental 
        Benefits Index;
Whereas United States hardwoods are net absorbers of carbon and are widely 
        recognized to be critical to reducing the United States carbon 
        footprint;
Whereas United States hardwoods are a valuable raw material which, when utilized 
        properly, provide an incentive for landowners to maintain their land in 
        a forested condition rather than clearing the land for development or 
        other alternative land use;
Whereas United States hardwoods are a renewable resource and bio-based material;
Whereas United States hardwoods are recyclable, and hardwoods used in 
        construction can often be restored and reused in later construction;
Whereas United States hardwoods are grown primarily in those States located 
        along or east of the Mississippi River and in the Pacific Northwest, 
        but, with a presence in every State, the hardwood industry is one of the 
        major sources of economic activity and sustenance in many rural 
        communities;
Whereas United States hardwoods are grown by thousands of small family 
        landowners who may harvest trees only once or twice in a generation; and
Whereas United States hardwoods and the products derived from United States 
        hardwoods are prized throughout the world as a superior and long-lasting 
        building material: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes that United States hardwoods are an abundant, 
        sustainable, and legal resource under the United States rule of law; and
            (2) urges that United States hardwoods and products derived from 
        United States hardwoods should be given full consideration in any 
        program directed at constructing environmentally preferable commercial, 
        public, or private buildings.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.