AWC supports EPA’s finalized NHSM rule

WASHINGTON – American Wood Council (AWC) President and CEO Robert Glowinski has issued the following statement about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) finalization of its Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials (NHSM) rule, which expands the list of materials recognized as “non-waste fuels” to include processed construction and demolition (C&D) wood.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that there is approximately 1 billion feet of lumber generated from demolished buildings each year. Among other uses for wood products at end of life as highlighted on our new Reuse Wood website, these renewable construction materials can be used to produce biobased energy.

“Including C&D materials as non-waste fuels diverts materials from the construction waste stream and reduces the need for landfill space, as well as provides a carbon-neutral source of biomass energy. AWC appreciates the clarity the finalized NHSM rule provides for our industry’s air regulation compliance strategies.”