Sacramento, CA…AB 429, authored by Assemblymember Brian Dahle, passed the Assembly Floor by a vote of 78-0. This bill would require any state agency that purchases lumber to give preference to lumber harvested pursuant to California’s Z’Berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act, if price, fitness, and quality are equal. AB 429 helps California embrace our local supply of renewable building material and bring awareness to the benefits of sustainable forest management.

“This is a common sense bill.  If we are going to lead the nation in sustainable forest practices, then the State of California should be buying California grown, environmentally sustainable products,” said Assembly Member Brian Dahle.

By creating a preference for California-grown and manufactured wood products, the state would encourage forestland owners to continue to invest in maintaining and growing healthy forests. This bill establishes the priorities for the importance of the timberlands in California, the environmental safeguards in place in this state, and the commitment of the state to environmental protection.

“I’m proud to be a co-author of AB 429.  Timber harvest practices in our State have changed dramatically under California’s hard won environmental regulations – the strictest in the country. Sustainable is now a word that can be used to describe the timber industry in California,” said Assemblymember Jim Wood. Wood is the principal co-author of AB 429. “This is not the case for all timber management practices elsewhere.  By reinforcing the value of “buying local”, we are supporting an industry that respects best practices and is a responsible partner in maintaining our forests and environment for future generations.”

“Calforests thanks Assembly Member Brian Dahle and Assembly Member Jim Wood for their leadership on AB 429,” stated Calforests President David Bischel. This bill will promote the use of locally grown lumber. Forests that remain healthy and intact provide so many environmental, social and economic benefits to the entire state and help our rural communities to prosper. We are hopeful that the Senate will also see the tremendous benefits of AB 429 and support the bill through the process.”

AB 429 will be heard next in the Senate.

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The California Forestry Association (Calforests) consists of forest professionals committed to sustainable forestry and responsible stewardship of our renewable natural resources through environmentally sound policies and conservation practices. The forest products industry is a significant contributor to our State’s environmental and economic wellbeing.