Shaler quoted in Mainebiz article on bill to accelerate R&D of building with wood

Mainebiz reported legislation backed by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King calls for accelerated research and development of using new wood technologies, such as cross-laminated timber, in the construction of buildings over 85 feet high. Collins and King have joined two other senators in re-introducing the Timber Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation being pursued in both the U.S. Senate and House that aims to find new and innovative uses for wood as a building material, according to the article. In Maine, the legislation is supported by the Maine Forest Products Council and the University of Maine School of Forest Resources, the article states. “The use of Maine-sourced timber and engineered wood composites could be increased in important and developing construction applications such as mass timber non-residential structures,” said Stephen Shaler, director of UMaine’s School of Forest Resources. “This bill could help accelerate and expand Maine commercial manufacturing opportunities and associated engineering and architectural services. UMaine’s expertise and R&D facilities are actively engaged and working with Maine industry in these sectors.”