Glenn Thompson

US Representative Glenn Thompson admits he is “very concerned” about the state of the American hardwood industry but is hopeful that policy tweaks, especially around increased federal usage, can help bolster its future. Rep. Thompson, the powerful chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, opened up about legislative plans to raise the amount of hardwood used in federal buildings. He also spoke about the potential for increased hardwood lumber exports to China. …“If we lose sawmills, we lose our ability to manage forests,” he continued. “[That leads to] a negative impact on rural America that is unacceptable.” …Despite its rapid contraction over recent years, the future of the hardwood industry is one of few issues that has broad bipartisan support in Washington. In 2025… the Solid American Hardwood Tax Credit Act was introduced. A similar bill was introduced in the Senate. Neither has progressed beyond committee debate.