[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 155 (Thursday, October 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK

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                         HON. SUZAN K. DelBENE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 22, 2015

  Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Forest Products Week 
and the forest products industry's contributions to greener 
manufacturing practices. In Washington State, we have over 58 sawmill, 
millwork and wood treating facilities; 12 engineered wood and panel 
facilities; and 16 facilities manufacturing other wood products.
   We know that forests play a critical role in filtering and renewing 
our air. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and water, and release oxygen. 
Some of the carbon absorbed by trees is stored for a long period of 
time. In fact, one-half the weight of wood is carbon.
   Wood can be manufactured into many useful products. In addition, a 
large portion of the energy used in forest products manufacturing is 
produced from biomass like bark and sawdust, meaning the amount of 
energy used to produce wood products can be vastly lower than other 
materials.
   Finally, wood is also renewable and provides for an increase in 
``green'' buildings that have a positive carbon footprint. Recently, 
Secretary Vilsack visited my district and described the many benefits 
to building with wood products such as cross-laminated timber.
   During Forest Products Week, let's all recognize the many employees 
and products that contribute to an increased environmental awareness in 
sustainable building materials as well as in many other areas.

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