Bart Stupak, Congressional Warlord of Wood

NEWS RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN BART STUPAK 1ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN

************************* Stupak named co-chair of newly formed, bipartisan timber caucus

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) has joined Democratic and Republican colleagues in establishing the Congressional Timber Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

The newly formed Timber Caucus, which Stupak co-chairs, will work to advocate for federal policies that benefit the timber and forest products industry, and to educate other members of Congress on the unique challenges facing the industry. 

Congressmen Kevin Brady (R-TX), Mike Ross (D-AK) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also serve as co-chairs of the caucus.

“The forest and timber industry has a long history in Northern Michigan and continues to be a critical job provider and economic driver in the First Congressional District,” Stupak said. “I am pleased to join with my colleagues in the House to highlight the issues facing the timber and forest products industry and the jobs it supports. I look forward to sharing the knowledge and understanding I have gained working with this industry in my role as co-chair of the Timber Caucus.”

The purpose of the bi-partisan Timber Caucus is to highlight issues impacting America’s forest products industry, rural communities and jobs it supports. 

The caucus will focus particular attention on issues involving energy, tax, trade and rural needs. 

The caucus will also serve as a resource for members of Congress and staff.

“This industry is facing unique challenges in today’s economic climate that require renewed attention and commitment to the industry,” Stupak said. “I will continue to fight on behalf of the timber and forest products industry and its employees.”

Stupak is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over energy and environment issues. As a conferee on the 2005 energy bill, Stupak was instrumental in including a provision that defines timber as an eligible fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

During House consideration of H.R. 2454, America’s Clean Energy and Security Act, earlier this year, Stupak included provisions that expand the definition of “renewable biomass” to include timber from federal, state and private forests in Northern Michigan. 

Stupak has previously been recognized as the American Forest and Paper Association’s “Friend of the Forest and Paper Industry.” 

In Michigan, the timber and forest products industry sustains 154,000 jobs, or 10 percent of jobs in the state’s manufacturing sector, and generates $12 billion in annual revenue.  

Nationwide the industry, which includes pulp, paper, lumber and other wood building products, employs 1 million people and is among the top 10 manufacturing employers in 48 states. 

It accounts for $200 billion a year in sales, or six percent of the total U.S. manufacturing Gross Domestic Product. 

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