Vermont advocates for local wood fiber processing to boost economy and reduce tariffs

In a recent meeting of the Vermont House Energy and Digital Infrastructure, discussions highlighted the potential for enhancing local economic development through the utilization of regional lumber resources. The conversation centered on the importance of processing wood products within the state rather than exporting raw materials to Canada, where they are manufactured and then imported back to the U.S., often incurring tariffs.

One speaker emphasized the need for Vermont to capitalize on its natural resources by developing local capacity for producing value-added wood products. This includes insulation made from wood fiber, which can utilize sawdust from sawmills, as well as other materials like oriented strand board and particle board. The speaker noted that these products could be made from both low-grade and high-grade wood, effectively locking carbon in the wood fiber for extended periods, potentially up to a century.

The implications of this discussion are significant for Vermont's economy, particularly in the home building industry. By fostering local production capabilities, the state could reduce reliance on imported materials, mitigate tariff impacts, and create jobs. The speaker expressed a desire for the Department of Economic Development to actively pursue these opportunities, indicating a broader strategy to enhance the state's economic resilience.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of leveraging Vermont's lumber resources to stimulate local economic growth and address challenges posed by international trade dynamics. As the state considers its next steps, the focus will likely remain on developing infrastructure and capacity to support sustainable wood product manufacturing.