(a) In general
The Secretary shall conduct performance-driven research and development, education, and technical assistance for the purpose of facilitating the use of innovative wood products in wood building construction in the United States.
(b) Activities
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
(1) after receipt of input and guidance from, and collaboration with, the wood products industry, conservation organizations, and institutions of higher education, conduct research and development, education, and technical assistance at the Forest Products Laboratory or through the State and Private Forestry deputy area that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c); and
(2) after coordination and collaboration with the wood products industry and conservation organizations, make competitive grants to institutions of higher education to conduct research and development, education, and technical assistance that meets measurable performance goals for the achievement of the priorities described in subsection (c).
(c) Priorities
The research and development, education, and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall give priority to—
(1) ways to improve the commercialization of innovative wood products;
(2) analyzing the safety of tall wood building materials;
(3) calculations by the Forest Products Laboratory of the lifecycle environmental footprint, from extraction of raw materials through the manufacturing process, of tall wood building construction;
(4) analyzing methods to reduce the lifecycle environmental footprint of tall wood building construction;
(5) analyzing the potential implications of the use of innovative wood products in building construction on wildlife; and
(6) 1 or more other research areas identified by the Secretary, in consultation with conservation organizations, institutions of higher education, and the wood products industry.
(d) Timeframe
To the maximum extent practicable, the measurable performance goals for the research and development, education, and technical assistance conducted under subsection (a) shall be achievable within a 5-year timeframe.
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, and not as part of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, which in part comprises this chapter.
Definitions
"Secretary" as meaning the Secretary of Agriculture, see section 2 of Pub. L. 115–334, set out as a Definition of "Secretary" note under section 9001 of this title.
Pub. L. 115–334, title VIII, §8641, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4871, provided that: "In this part [part III (§§8641–8644) of subtitle F of title VIII of Pub. L. 115–334, enacting this section and section 7655d of this title and amending section 8113 of this title]:
"(1)
"(2)
"(A) cross-laminated timber;
"(B) nail laminated timber;
"(C) glue laminated timber;
"(D) laminated strand lumber; and
"(E) laminated veneer lumber.
"(3)
"(4)
"(A) constructed with mass timber; and
"(B) more than 85 feet in height."
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