The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recently participated in the Hardwood Federation’s annual Fly-In to Washington, DC, October 4-5.  The group met with more than 40 members of Congress to discuss issues affecting the hardwood industry, including the Boiler MACT regulations, the Lacey Act, LEED certification, and the NWFA’s Responsible Procurement Program.

Boiler MACT legislation is an issue that will affect every facet of the wood flooring supply chain according to NWFA CEO, Michael Martin.  “The impact of this regulation would be far-reaching in our industry and has the potential to shut down many mills at least temporarily as they reconfigure their operations to meet the new requirements,” states Martin.  “This would cause production delays and lead to price increases as well as lack of supply, in an already struggling industry.”

The group also met with representatives about Lacey Act legislation and its positive impact on domestic jobs, as well as LEED certification standards.  While LEED is not mandated by the US government, it is used by government agencies when specifying renewable products for government building projects.  The group presented information about other green certification programs, as well as the NWFA’s Responsible Procurement Program, which recognizes responsible forest management.

NWFA members participating in the event included CEO Michael Martin; Chairman Rick Holden with Derr Flooring in Willow Grove, PA: Past Chairman Don Finkell with Anderson Hardwood Floors in Clinton, SC; NWFA Board members Sprigg Lynn with Universal Floors in Washington, DC, and Wayne Cotton with JJ Haines & Company in Pompano Beach, FL; and NWFA members Elizabeth Baldwin with Metropolitan Hardwood Floors in Kent, WA,  John Clark with Cherrybark Flooring in Hazelhurst, MS, Vito Luppino with VAL Floors in Carlstadt, NJ, Jack Shannon II with JT Shannon Lumber Co. in Memphis, TN, and Bruce Zwicker with JJ Haines & Company in Glen Burnie, MD.