On June 23, the US House of Representatives passed formaldehyde legislation by voice vote after being approved by the unanimous consent of the US Senate. The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, S. 1660, will establish the first comprehensive national standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The act directs the US Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate implementing regulations by January 1, 2013. These regulations will be effective 180 days after promulgation.

“This is a historic moment for the North American composite panel industry, which has always been at the forefront of environmental stewardship,” said Tom Julia, Composite Panel Association (CPA) president. “The legislation represents a responsible, bipartisan approach to advancing consumer protection, fair trade and domestic jobs.”

The legislation calls for emissions limitations are modeled on a regulation California adopted in 2008. “The result will be the toughest production standard in the world, including provisions to ensure that products made with composite wood panels meet the standard,” Julia said.  “The legislation will also encourage the development of lower-emitting adhesive technologies and establish a transparent chain of custody for purposes of enforcement. Manufacturer quality-assurance requirements and third-party testing and certification of panel products will give consumers the highest confidence in the composite wood products they purchase, regardless of where in the world they are manufactured,” he continued.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who partnered with Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) in introducing the bill last fall, said, “This bill will establish national standards that will both protect public health and ensure an even playing field between domestic wood products and foreign imports.”

CPA and the Sierra Club initially drafted the legislation in late 2008, and a broad coalition of stakeholders soon joined the effort. The entire industry supply chain, along with the National Center for Health Housing, ultimately supported the legislation. 

Other industry groups supporting the final bill include the American Home Furnishings Alliance, Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, American Forest & Paper Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, and Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America.