A number of states have seen legislation opposing the use of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system. Ohio, Washington and Kentucky are a few recent battleground states that resulted in various outcomes. In February, the Ohio State Senate approved passage of Resolution SCR 25 that discouraged the use of the latest version of LEED, claiming the criteria used to select building products unfairly discriminates against Ohio products and materials. The legislation was heavily supported by the chemical industries. The Ohio House will now consider the bill.

Earlier last month, Washington State Senate Bill SB6341 called for a revision of state green building practices to support the preferential treatment of wood. In contrast to the Ohio bill, it did not make it out of Senate committee review due to tremendous opposition. This initiative was overtly supported by timber interests which can potentially damage the local concrete industry by legislating material selection. And the Kentucky Legislature is currently considering HB520, a bill that redefines the green building mandate to recognize certain forest industry certification programs not recognized by the LEED building rating system among other criteria. Similar to Washington’s SB6341, this bill intends to benefit local industries operating in the state.

NRMCA has developed a strategy to stem the adoption of more Wood First legislation. Affiliates and members aware of similar legislation in your states should contact NRMCA as soon as possible so that we can provide assistance.