Alaska Lumber Mills Prepare for New Legislation That Allows Them to Self-Grade Their Production
Bjorkman’s lumber bill quickly passes Senate, House
Proposed legislation that would keep Alaska’s lumber production more local has just passed the Alaskan House and Senate and is awaiting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s signature, according to radio station KDLL (5-1-23). The bill which was first introduced in March quickly gained support from local mill owners and picked up letters of support from local environmental groups and loggers.
Nikiski Republican Sen. Jesse Bjorkman’s bill allows local lumber producers in the state to grade, or assess, their own lumber, rather than relying on a middleman. Producers would take a class through the Department of Natural Resources and receive a certificate to grade their lumber. KDLL says Bjorkman credits the idea for the legislation to Kenai Peninsula Borough Land Manger Marcus Muller, who told him it would help local forestry efforts.
Bjorkman says the goal of the bill is to improve access to building materials as the state struggles with housing.
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