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FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025

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Effort to Expand Mass Timber Use in Federal and Military Construction Projects Bipartisan Effort Led by Oregon Senators By: John Oliver A new bipartisan initiative, aimed at expanding the use of mass timber in federal and military construction projects, has been introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden of Oregon, alongside Senators James Risch and Mike Crapo of Idaho. The proposed legislation, known as the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act, is designed to encourage the integration of mass timber products in the construction, renovation, and acquisition of public and military buildings across the United States. Mass timber, a relatively new form of engineered wood, is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials like steel and concrete. This type of wood is manufactured by bonding layers of wood together using adhesives, which results in a strong, durable, and fire-resistant material suitable for large-scale construction projects. Proponents of mass timber argue that it offers significant benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional building materials. The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act aims to incentivize the use of mass timber in the federal construction process by giving preference to mass timber products in federal building contracts. Under the proposed legislation, contractors using mass timber would be able to compete for projects involving the construction or renovation of federal buildings, as well as for military construction projects. By promoting the use of mass timber in these high-profile projects, the bill seeks to

drive innovation and create a larger market for this sustainable building material. Senators Merkley and Wyden, both representing Oregon, a state known for its vast timber resources, have long been champions of mass timber. Oregon’s timber industry stands to benefit greatly from the widespread adoption of mass timber, and the legislation is seen as a step forward in supporting the state's economy and advancing environmental goals. Meanwhile, Senators Risch and Crapo of Idaho, also representing states with significant forestry resources, have joined the initiative, emphasizing the economic potential of mass timber for the broader region and its role in mitigating climate change. The push for mass timber aligns with growing interest in sustainable building practices and green construction methods across the United States. With environmental concerns becoming an increasingly important focus in the construction industry, there has been a concerted effort to find ways to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale building projects. Mass timber, which captures carbon

during its growth and continues to sequester it even after being harvested and processed, is viewed as an effective tool in reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector. In addition to its environmental benefits, mass timber also offers potential cost savings. The use of mass timber in construction projects can lead to reduced transportation and labor costs due to its lighter weight and quicker installation times compared to traditional materials. As a result, the incorporation of mass timber into federal and military projects could not only contribute to sustainability goals but also provide a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to conventional building materials. The proposed legislation is not only a response to environmental and economic challenges but also an effort to position the United States as a leader in the global push for sustainable construction materials. By creating incentives for the use of mass timber, the Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act seeks to establish the material as a mainstream option for large-scale projects. This, in turn,

could encourage further innovation in the timber industry, leading to advancements in technology and manufacturing processes that would make mass timber even more accessible and competitive. Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of mass timber has faced challenges. Critics of the material have raised concerns about the durability and fire safety of mass timber, especially in high-rise construction. While mass timber has proven to be fire-resistant in numerous tests, there is ongoing debate about its long-term performance in large, multi-story buildings. Additionally, some industry experts have expressed concerns that the widespread use of mass timber could strain timber resources and impact biodiversity in forest ecosystems if not managed properly. Despite these concerns, the bipartisan effort to promote mass timber reflects a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to meet the demands of a changing world. The Mass Timber Federal Buildings Act is part of a broader strategy to modernize federal and military construction while advancing sustainability goals. By making mass timber a more competitive option for public and military projects, the legislation could play a significant role in reshaping the future of construction in the United States. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will likely continue to spark discussions about the balance between economic, environmental, and safety considerations in the construction industry. The outcome of this bipartisan effort could have lasting implications for the future of building materials and their role in shaping the nation's infrastructure.

Oregon Bill Seeks to Address Jurisdictional Issues for Tribes Affected by 1953 Federal Law

Image from Indian Country exhibit at the Independence Heritage Museum (Source: ohs.org)

GPT News Desk A new bill moving through the Oregon Legislature could offer a significant shift in how tribal lands are governed in the state, particularly with regard to jurisdictional authority. Senate Bill 1011, which has recently advanced out of committee, aims to establish a formal process for tribes to request the reversal of Public Law 83-280 (PL-280), a 1953 federal law that tribal leaders have long argued undermines their sovereignty. PL-280 is a controversial law that mandates the state of Oregon to exercise criminal and civil jurisdiction over tribal lands within its borders. This law, enacted during a period of federal policy aimed at weakening tribal sovereignty, has resulted in a complex jurisdictional landscape for tribes. It effectively grants the state concurrent authority over tribal lands in areas traditionally reserved for tribal governance. While PL-280 was intended to encour-

age the assimilation of Native Americans into mainstream society, it has been widely criticized for infringing upon tribal autonomy and complicating legal and governance matters on tribal lands. The proposed Senate Bill 1011 seeks to simplify this situation by offering a formal process through which tribes can request the reversal of PL-280 on their lands. This process, known as retrocession, would return jurisdictional authority to the federal government, thereby removing the state’s involvement in

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see TRIBES, page 3