Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) has introduced the Supporting American Wood and Mill Infrastructure with Loans for Longevity (SAWMILL) Act, aiming to permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP). The bill was co-sponsored by Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL).
Newhouse said, “Washington State’s timber industry supplies our region with good paying jobs, helps reduce the risk of wildfires, and is a tool in responsibly managing our forests. The SAWMILL Act gives timber mills the ability to grow their operations and support rural communities who stand to benefit even more from a strong, local timber industry. As we work in Congress on a wide range of policies to protect our forests, this legislation is a positive step we can take to make sure the federal government is making it easier for the industry to be successful here at home.”
Sewell stated, “Alabama’s rural landowners and forestry sector too often can’t access sawmills and other wood processing infrastructure which increase property values and advance the mission of forestry conservation. I am proud to join Rep. Newhouse in introducing the SAWMILL Act, which will bring critical infrastructure to rural communities, expand access to new markets for rural landowners, and encourage conservation of the environment.”
The TPEP program provides low-interest loans for timber companies to invest in facilities and equipment, focusing on supporting mills that process hazardous fuels. This approach aims both to stimulate rural economies and lower wildfire risks on public lands.
The legislation has received endorsements from organizations such as the American Wood Council, American Forests, and The Lumber Manufactory (TLM).
Jackson Morrill, President and CEO of American Wood Council, commented: “Our nation’s sawmills and wood processing facilities directly employ nearly half a million Americans, with individual mills serving as economic drivers in their communities. When a mill closes, the whole community suffers, and some unfortunately never recover. We applaud Representatives Newhouse and Sewell for introducing the SAWMILL Act to help protect U.S. wood product manufacturing and rural jobs.”
Rebecca Turner of American Forests added: “For generations, sawmills have been economic engines of rural America. Now, the SAWMILL Act would support sawmills that are stepping up to restore our forests. Thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Reps. Newhouse and Sewell, the SAWMILL Act is a win-win-win — saving tax-payer dollars, promoting healthy forests, and helping rural communities thrive.”
Michael Grasso of TLM said: “The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) applauds Congressman Newhouse and Congresswoman Sewell for introducing The SAWMILL Act in the House of Representatives, which will permanently reauthorize the Timber Production Expansion Loan Guarantee Program (TPEP). TPEP is a vital tool to promote the revitalization of our country’s sawmill and wood processing infrastructure, while also supporting healthy forest management, wildland fire mitigation, and stimulating economic opportunity across rural America. In addition, the SAWMILL Act directly addresses the objectives outlined in the Executive Order for Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.”
Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Tim Sheehy (R-MT) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).
Dan Newhouse represents Washington’s 4th district in Congress since 2015 after replacing Doc Hastings; he previously served in Washington’s state legislature from 2003–2009.
Born in Sunnyside in 1955 where he still resides today at age 67,Newhouse graduated from Washington State University with a BS degree.
