Forest Bioeconomy Act
Sponsored By: Senator Martin Heinrich
Introduced
Summary
Expand the forest bioeconomy by turning low-value wood into new markets and creating a Forest Service Office of Technology Transfer. This bill would boost research into wood-based products and fuels and speed commercialization through vouchers and lab partnerships.
Show full summary
- Creates a Small Business Voucher Pilot to give small firms access to Forest Service research facilities for R&D, demonstrations, commercialization, and workforce training. It requires non‑Federal cost shares, for example up to 20% for basic research and 50% for demonstrations, and sunsets on September 30, 2031 with a post-termination report.
- Establishes an Office of Technology Transfer inside the Forest Service led by a Chief Commercialization Officer and a Technology Transfer Working Group. They would coordinate patenting, private-sector engagement, interagency tech transfer, and must report metrics to Congress within one year and include counts of agreements and licenses in future budget submissions.
- Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, working with the Secretary of Energy, to expand research using wood from forest management to open nontraditional markets, improve manufacturing viability, and serve as a feedstock for renewable fuels including sustainable aviation fuel.
*Authorizes $5.0 million per year to carry out the technology transfer subsection, increasing federal spending by that amount.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Innovation vouchers for small businesses
This bill would create a pilot that gives small businesses vouchers to use Forest Service research labs. Vouchers could pay for R&D, demonstrations, technology transfer, training, or commercial work. Cost shares would apply: basic research up to 20% non‑Federal, applied research normally at least 20%, and demonstrations or commercial work normally at least 50%. The Secretary could reduce cost shares for high risk. The pilot would end September 30, 2031, and Congress must get a report within 180 days after it ends.
More wood products and biofuel research
This bill would direct USDA, in coordination with the Energy Department, to expand research on using low- or no-value wood from forest management. The research would focus on creating new markets, improving manufacturing economics, and using wood as feedstock for renewable fuels like sustainable aviation fuel. The provision directs work and coordination but does not specify new funding amounts or timelines.
Mass timber research and education
This bill would create a mass timber science and education program coordinated with colleges and universities. It would fund practical research on carbon, fire performance, structural traits, energy use, acoustics, and hybrid slab construction. The program would develop a voluntary mass timber curriculum and appoint a stakeholder advisory group that meets at least once a year. The Secretary must send a strategy to Congress by September 30, 2026. Up to $4,000,000 of Forest Service research funds may be used.
Forest Service commercialization office
This bill would create an Office of Technology Transfer inside the Forest Service led by a Chief Commercialization Officer. The office would coordinate patenting and licensing, represent the agency in interagency tech transfer forums, and engage private partners and investors. A Technology Transfer Working Group would report to Congress within one year on recent agreements and licenses. The bill would authorize $5,000,000 per year to carry out these functions.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Martin Heinrich
NM • D
Cosponsors
Steve Daines
MT • R
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Raphael Warnock
GA • D
Sponsored 7/31/2025
James Justice
WV • R
Sponsored 7/31/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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