Forest Bioeconomy Act

The Forest Bioeconomy Act would expand research on forest products, boost the Forest Service’s research and technology transfer capabilities, and establish a National Mass Timber Science and Education Program. Its goals include creating new markets for low-value forest materials, supporting renewable-fuel production, and accelerating commercialization of Forest Service research. A centerpiece is a dedicated Office of Technology Transfer to manage commercialization, protect intellectual property, and engage with private industry, along with a Small Business Voucher Pilot to help small firms collaborate with Forest Service facilities. The bill also creates a joint mass timber program to support research, education, and curriculum development related to mass timber and tall wood buildings, including coordination with universities and a stakeholder advisory group. These steps are intended to advance the use of forest products, particularly wood-based building materials, and to connect researchers with industry and architects. The bill would authorize funding to support these efforts (with specific annual caps), set reporting and strategic requirements (including a mass timber strategy due to Congress and a 2031 sunset for the voucher program), and require coordination with other agencies (notably the Department of Energy) and with universities and industry. It also amends related foundational language to reflect technology transfer as a broader activity of the National Forest Foundation. Overall, the act aims to expand markets for forest products, accelerate commercialization of research, and promote mass timber as a significant component of the forest bioeconomy.