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 ASSOCIATION NEWS
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REGULATORY NEWS
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Wood Dust Comments Extended; Formaldehyde Rule In Final Review
Cal/OSHA extended the comment period for the proposed change to the rule for Airborne Contaminants for Wood Dust until May 19. The new rule will tighten the limits for wood dust exposure to 1 milligram per cubic meter and lower western red cedar dust limits to 0.5 milligrams per cubic meter. By June 27, the Office of Management and Budget will complete their review of the EPA's final rule for formaldehyde emissions of composite wood panels and fabricated panels.
Source: HPVA®.
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Lacey Act Causes Paradigm Shift
European researchers have shown how the new Lacey Act requirements and similar EU and Australian policies caused a paradigm shift in forest governance throughout the world. The partnership between environmentalists and some key sectors of the wood products industry - to ensure that timber is legally and responsibly harvested - will significantly improve environmental and social stewardship. The extensive analysis was based on 31 interviews (including an interview with HPVA®), 19 informed conversations and the review of more than 100 documents.
Source: HPVA®.
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environmental news
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Canada Receives Top Billing
The 2015 Leger survey ranked Canada’s forest products companies as having the world’s best reputation for environmental practices. International customers in 9 countries gave top marks to Canadian forest products for quality and sustainability. Canada retains about 90% of its original forest cover - more than any other country - and has virtually zero deforestation. By law, all harvested areas are regenerated.
Source: The Chronicle Journal, April 18, 2016.
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Malaysian Firm May Lose Certification
Malaysian timber group Samling is in danger of losing their Forest Stewardship Council certification in New Zealand. A complaint alleges that the company's Hikurangi Forest Farms violated FSC standards by boycotting local wood processors and exporting mostly unprocessed logs. To maintain FSC certification, timber companies must work to enhance the community's economic, social and environmental benefits from the forest.
Source: Scoop Business, March 15, 2016.
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
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NEWS BRIEFS
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HPVA® Supports USDA FIA Funding
50 groups joined to request $83 million for the Forest Service Inventory & Analysis program.
Source: Ohio Forestry Association, March 22, 2016; NASF, November 12, 2015.
See A Slide Show Of Exotic Furniture
Feast your eyes on these beautifully creative designs crafted by talented woodworkers.
Source: Go Wood, April 18, 2016.
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London's First Wood Skyscraper
Cambridge University’s Department of Architecture submitted plans for an 80-story wood skyscraper, the tallest of its kind.
Source: Gizmag, April 11, 2016.
U.S. Housing Starts Drop
While total housing starts fell 8.8% in March, single-family starts are up 23% from last year.
Source: NAHB, April 19, 2016.
San Francisco Mandates Solar
The city passed an ordinance requiring solar panels on all buildings 10 stories or less.
Source: Construction Dive, April 21, 2016.
Controversial Art Leaks Toxic Fumes
Damien Hurst's art pieces featuring dead animals suspended in formaldehyde are the source of fumes that may be harmful to viewers.
Source: Tech Times, April 26; Science Alert, April 24; Artforum, April 21, 2016.
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VIDEO: Get Your Daily Dose Of Trees
Enjoy the forest! Trees reduce skin cancer, decrease stress, and promote healing.
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2016.
5 Award-Winning Green Homes
See photos of 5 innovative, earth-friendly homes that won Builder's Choice Custom Home Design Awards for sustainability.
Source: Builder, April 22, 2016.
Drones Use Takes Off
Drones use is growing, fast, particularly in construction and infrastructure. The FAA issued the most exemptions for drone use in FL, CA and TX - nearly all to small businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue.
Source: Construction Dive, April 18; Construction Dive, April 14, 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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