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 REGULATORY NEWS
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CDC Cites Health Concerns
The results of the federal safety review of Lumber Liquidators' laminate flooring are in. The formaldehyde levels could cause irritation and breathing problems, per the CDC's report to the CPSC, but the risk of cancer from exposure is low. The CPSC paid for tests on laminate flooring made in China in 2013 and 2014. Results varied over time and across the 3 laboratories that were used.
Source: NRDC, February 15; Builder, February 11; CDC, Daily Press, February 10, 2016.
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Long-Eared Bat Rule Challenged
4 environmental organizations - including the Center for Biological Diversity and the Sierra Club - announced that they will sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior over the recent northern long-eared bat 4(d) rule. They contend that the rule, which protects the bat as threatened but not endangered, violates the Endangered Species Act.
Source: CBD, February 12, 2016.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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China Faces Anti-Dumping Duties
After conducting an anti-dumping investigation into Chinese exports, South Korea announced a duty of 4.22% to 7.15% on plywood imported from certain Chinese exporters. After complaints were filed by the European Panel Federation, the EU also launched an anti-dumping investigation into China’s hardwood plywood imports over the past 3 years.
Source: ITTO, February 15, 2016.
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"No Evidence" EU Timber Laws Work
According to a leaked report, a commission found "no evidence" that EU laws prevent illegal logging. 9 countries imposed no penalties against traffickers of illegal timber. 6 countries haven't conducted required checks of timber importers. Only a small percentage of private companies use independent monitoring groups to source timber. In 3 years, no one in Europe has been prosecuted under EU timber laws.
Source: Timberbiz, February 11, 2016.
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HPVA® MEMBER NEWS
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HPVA® Spring Conference: May 15-17
Save the date! The HPVA Annual Meeting - open to members and non-members - will be held in New Orleans, May 15-17. Register today to rub elbows with industry experts, sign up a new client or hire a new vendor, and enjoy the food and fun of New Orleans.
Source: HPVA®.
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NEWS BRIEFS
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Lowe’s Buys Canada’s Rona
Lowe's will pay $2.28 billion for the Canadian home improvement center.
Source: Domain-B, February 4, 2016.
Institutional Investors Want Trees
Consultants advise pension funds to add more timberland to their portfolios.
Source: IPE Real Estate, February 2016.
Biggest Losers In The Housing Crisis
Renters now comprise 43.3% of U.S. households, up from 38.5%. Hardest hit: older millennials, Hispanics, and upper-middle class.
Source: Builder, February 12, 2016.
Senate Gets Biomass Back On Track
Bipartisan group requests a unified policy on the carbon neutrality of forest biomass energy.
Source: National Alliance of Forest Owners, February 5, 2016.
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Builders' Biggest Pain: Labor
Of the 4 big L's - labor, lots, laws, loans - the cost and availability of labor will be builders' greatest headache in 2016.
Source: Builder, February 8, 2016.
ISO: Good Building Codes Mean Lower Insurance Costs
Communities with well-enforced, up-to-date building codes reduce catastrophe-related damage, lowering insurance costs.
Source: ISO, 2015.
Japan’s Furniture Import Trends
Japanese wood furniture manufacturing continues to shrink as production is relocated to China and Southeast Asia.
Source: ITTO, February 15, 2016.
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Send Us Your Company News, Ideas For Articles, And More
We are always looking for great stories, news about your company, and interesting multimedia. We also welcome feedback on this week's content and suggestions for topics you would like to see in upcoming HPVA® eNews. Email us at innovate@hpva.org.
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