Sustainable Wood Controversy Leads to LEED ‘Backlash Bill’ in Florida House

A Florida House bill that says state agencies should decide on a project-by-project basis which green certification standards are used on state construction passed a subcommittee vote 12-1. The bill, which some are calling a LEED “backlash bill,” was prompted by the controversy over LEED’s policy of only recognizing wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Timber industry representatives want other sustainable wood standards recognized, asserting that the FSC’s standards are too burdensome and costly.