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Committee approves timber-grading bill to certify graders and bolster in-state wood use
Summary
House Bill 553 would set timber grading standards, create a program for certifying timber graders and help expand in-state processing of forest products, supporters said. The committee adopted an amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation without recorded opposition.
SANTA FE — The House Appropriations and Finance Committee advanced House Bill 553 on Tuesday, a measure to set grading standards for timber harvested in New Mexico, certify graders and promote use of locally produced wood in construction and rebuilding efforts.
Sponsor Representative Vincent said the bill is intended to establish affordable wood-grading standards and an in‑state structural wood grading training program so New Mexico sawmills can provide verified material for construction and other structural uses. Testifiers said the law would increase the value and marketability of New Mexico forest products, support sawmills and thin forests to reduce fire risk.
Consulting forester Rachel Wood told the committee the grading program supports forest-thinning and would supply material useful for rebuilding after recent wildfires. Kim Legant, representing the Mescalero Apache Tribe, said tribal sawmill reopening efforts would benefit. Local officials including Carrie Robin Brunder (Lincoln County) and Michael Morris (Mayor of Clovis) testified in favor.
The committee adopted a technical amendment (231745.1) and moved a do-pass on the bill as amended. No opposition was recorded in committee during the final motion.
Supporters emphasized the economic-development and wildfire-recovery benefits of increased in-state wood processing. Questions from members included how state grading standards would relate to national or international standards used by out-of-state graders and the potential to reduce reliance on contracted out-of-state graders.
