A new Executive Order from Governor Moore encourages State agencies to prioritize Maryland-sourced wood products in public projects.
Governor Moore issued an Executive Order directing Maryland State agencies to prioritize the use of in-state wood products in public projects whenever wood is an appropriate and cost-competitive building material. The order aims to strengthen Maryland’s forest products industry while advancing sustainable economic development and responsible forest management.
According to the announcement, Maryland’s forestry and wood products sector supports thousands of jobs across the state, including forestry, logging, sawmilling, transportation, and secondary manufacturing. State leaders anticipate that increasing the use of locally sourced wood products in public construction projects will help expand market opportunities for Maryland businesses while supporting rural economies.
The Executive Order builds on Maryland’s Sustainable Forestry Act and recognizes the role that working forests play in supporting both economic activity and environmental stewardship. Strong markets for wood products can help preserve privately owned forestland, encourage sustainable forest management, and contribute to the long-term health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
From the press release:
Maryland’s forests provide environmental, economic, and community benefits that are essential to our State. This Executive Order recognizes the value of using sustainably harvested wood products in public projects while supporting Maryland workers, manufacturers, and forest landowners. On behalf of Maryland’s forest community, we are most grateful to Governor Moore, said Bill Miles, Advocate for the Association of Forest Industries.
The order also highlights wood as a renewable building material and encourages agencies to consider locally sourced products when evaluating construction options. While the directive applies specifically to State agencies, it may offer a useful framework for counties considering procurement practices that support local industries, sustainability goals, and economic development objectives.
