SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) announced the passage of AB 994 after presenting the bill at a hearing of the Assembly Business and Professions Committee. The bill passed by a unanimous vote and now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

“This bill will help to level the field by granting special state purchase consideration for lumber and other wood products manufactured right here in California,” said Assemblymember Nicole Parra. “This is good for our economy and our environment – at no additional cost to taxpayers.”

AB 994 would establish a state purchase preference for solid wood products originating from California’s forests. As the State embarks on the implementation of landmark legislation for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, wood grown in California can help the State meet its climate change reduction goals.

The bill is written to assure that there will be no price differential allowed for these purchases if the fitness and quality are equal to other products available in the marketplace and ensure that the state would not pay more for the preferred wood products. California has numerous purchasing preferences for specialty products such as recycled paper.

The bill is sponsored by the California Forestry Association, representing forest landowners, professionals, and manufacturers of forest products. Among others, AB 994 enjoys the support of the California Chamber of Commerce.