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Committee advances timber-grading bill to support in-state wood markets and sawmills
Summary
House Bill 553 would establish state timber-grading and certification standards to support New Mexico sawmills, expand markets for locally harvested wood, and align grading with recognized national standards; the committee gave the bill a do-pass recommendation after testimony from timber industry, tribes and local governments.
The House Appropriations and Finance Committee voted to advance House Bill 553, a measure to establish timber-grading standards and an in‑state grader certification program intended to increase the value of New Mexico forest products and support sawmill operations.
Why it matters: Proponents said the bill will keep higher-quality wood in state supply chains, increase marketability for New Mexico timber, help rebuild communities after major fires, and support forest-thinning projects that reduce wildfire risk. They said in-state grading will reduce reliance on out‑of‑state graders and lower costs for sawmills and builders.
Public comment: A consulting forester described “source-verified good wood” efforts and said grading standards would help the state market structural wood for construction and post-fire rebuilding. The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s registered lobbyist testified in support, noting potential economic benefits as the tribe reopens sawmills. Lincoln County and the city of Clovis also submitted supportive testimony.
Technical alignment and standards: Witnesses said the program would use recognized grading standards (the committee packet referenced national/international standards) and that in-state training/certification would be administered through existing industry bodies. Committee members asked whether the state standards would conflict with the International Residential Code; proponents said the goal is to align standards so New Mexico–graded wood can be used where national codes require graded lumber.
Committee action: The committee adopted an amendment to strike an appropriation (amendment 231745.01 was referenced in committee) and then recommended the bill be given a do-pass. No opposition was recorded in the committee voice tally.
Next steps: Proponents said the measure will support sawmill reopening, local jobs and forest management work; sponsors will advance the bill to the House floor.
