AB 2518: Innovative forest products and mass timber.

Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Natural Resources Agency. Existing law declares that a thriving in-state forest products sector provides public benefits, including employment opportunities in both rural and urban areas, and economic development for rural communities. Existing law requires the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to establish a working group on expanding wood product markets, as provided.

This bill would require, on or before January 31, 2020, the department, in consultation with the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, to identify barriers to in-state production of mass timber and other innovative forest products, as those terms are defined, and develop solutions that are consistent with the states climate objectives on forest lands. The bill would require the department to collaborate with the working group described above, other state agencies, and independent experts, including with apprenticeship programs of organized labor, community colleges, and others with similar expertise, on innovative forest products and mass timber workforce training and job creation.

This bill would require the Forest Management Task Force, in consultation with specified entities, to develop recommendations for the siting of additional wood product manufacturing facilities in the state.