FLA Applauds Bipartisan Introduction of the Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Forest Landowners Association applauds Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Representatives Cliff Bentz (R-OR) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026 (H.R. 9827 / S. 5087).
The legislation would modernize the Renewable Fuel Standard by expanding the definition of renewable biomass to include additional low-value wood products, manufacturing residuals, and woody biomass generated through active forest management and forest products manufacturing. By creating new market opportunities for these materials, the legislation would help improve forest health, reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, strengthen rural economies, and support domestic renewable fuel production.
“The Forest Landowners Association applauds Senators Jeff Merkley and Cindy Hyde-Smith and Representatives Cliff Bentz and Bennie Thompson for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Wildfire Reduction Market Expansion Act of 2026. Family forestry businesses need an all-of-the-above approach to expanding market opportunities, and low-value wood products, manufacturing residuals, and woody biomass should be part of that conversation. While no single policy will address every challenge facing working forests, expanding potential markets for these materials can help provide additional certainty and opportunity for private forest landowners, rural communities, and our nation’s forest products supply chain,” said Scott Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the Forest Landowners Association.
FLA has long advocated for expanding markets for low-value wood products and forestry residuals as an essential component of forest management. Creating additional market opportunities helps make active forest management more economically viable, supports family forestry businesses, strengthens America’s forest products supply chain, and promotes healthier forests.
The Forest Landowners Association looks forward to working with Congress to advance this important bipartisan legislation.
Learn More
Senator Hyde-Smith’s press release:
https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/hyde-smith-merkley-bill-will-improve-forest-health-expand-market-forestry-biomass-byproducts
Congressman Bentz’s press release:
https://bentz.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-bentz-thompson-merkley-hyde-smith-introduce-wildfire-reduction-market-expansion-act-of-2026