November 24, 2025• View in browser

NLBMDA Weekly is our newsletter covering everything from the latest activity in Washington to updates from our members. This is the premier source of federal legislative, regulatory, and industry news for NLBMDA members.

NLBMDA Supports Introduction of Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025

Last week, the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) celebrated the introduction of the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025 by Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN). The legislation would repeal OSHA’s pending national heat standard, which would impose uniform rules on heat exposure across all industries. NLBMDA has raised concerns with OSHA that the proposed rule would place disproportionate burdens on small businesses and LBM dealers, many of whom already maintain effective, site-specific heat safety programs. NLBMDA’s commends filed earlier this year also emphasized issues with rigid temperature thresholds, extensive recordkeeping, and duplication of existing safety requirements.

“LBM dealers are committed to protecting employees, but OSHA’s proposed rule would impose costly mandates without recognizing effective systems already in place,” said Jonathan Paine, NLBMDA President & CEO. For more details, see NLBMDA’s full press release here.

Congress Returns, Facing New Appropriations Deadlines and Competing Priorities

Since NLBMDA’s last newsletter, Congress has returned to regular order having passed three full-year spending bills and partial funding for the remaining government programs through January 30th (read NLBMDA statement on the funding deal here). Lawmakers are now working to reach agreement on the remaining 9 of the 12 appropriations bills which fund the government while also working on competing solutions to address rising healthcare costs ahead of the Affordable Care Act’s advanced premium tax credits expiring at year’s end. Congress has twelve legislative days remaining where both the House and Senate are scheduled to be in session. NLBMDA will be on Capitol Hill throughout December meeting with lawmakers and staff on a number of legislative priorities that NLBMDA is working to advance on behalf of the LBM industry, including swipe fee reform, several housing proposals, and workforce development bills.

Happy Thanksgiving from NLBMDA!

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate this season of gratitude, NLBMDA extends heartfelt thanks to our members, partners, and the entire LBM community for your continued dedication and support. We wish you a joyful holiday filled with warmth and appreciation. Please note that our office will be closed on November 27 and 28 in observance of the holiday.

Builder Sentiment Relatively Flat in November as Market Headwinds Persist

Builder confidence remained subdued in November as market uncertainty from the government shutdown, tariffs, and rising construction costs weighed heavily on the housing sector. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) rose slightly to 38, reflecting ongoing challenges despite lower mortgage rates. NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes noted that while affordability conditions have improved, many buyers remain cautious due to concerns about job security and inflation. Builders are increasingly turning to incentives, including price reductions, to close deals, yet demand-side weakness continues to limit sales momentum.

The latest HMI survey highlighted that 41% of builders reported cutting prices in November, the highest share since the post-Covid period, with average reductions holding at 6%. Sales incentives were used by 65% of builders, underscoring the difficult environment. Current sales conditions improved modestly to 41, while expectations for future sales slipped to 51 and buyer traffic edged up to 26. Regionally, confidence rose in the Northeast and West, dipped slightly in the Midwest, and gained in the South, signaling mixed conditions across the country as builders look ahead to a forecasted modest recovery in 2026.

Mortgage Rates Edge Up, Missing Data Adds Uncertainty Ahead of Fed Meeting

The Freddie Mac 30‑year fixed mortgage rate edged up slightly to 6.26% as markets awaited new economic data following the government shutdown. Treasury yields have been volatile as investors reassess inflation risks and the timing of the Federal Reserve’s next move. The delayed September jobs report showed stronger-than-expected job growth with 119,000 additions, though the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. With no full October jobs report available, policymakers will head into the December Fed meeting without a complete picture of labor market conditions, adding uncertainty to rate expectations.

For housing, mortgage rates remain near their lowest level in over a year, sparking some buyer interest, but affordability challenges persist. Inventory has improved modestly in certain markets, yet remains historically tight in many regions, keeping home prices elevated and monthly payments above pre‑pandemic norms. Regional trends are uneven, with price growth slowing in the South and West but holding firm elsewhere. With fragmented labor and inflation data ahead, mortgage rates are likely to remain volatile as markets look to upcoming reports to shape expectations before the Fed’s December decision.

Personalized Entry-Level Driver Training Certification for NLBMDA Members

The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has partnered with J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. to offer members of the association an exclusive discount on certifying trainers in entry-level driver training (ELDT).

With J. J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT Certification Program, trainers will gain the skills and knowledge they need to train drivers to prevent accidents, avoid violations, reduce liability, and begin a safe career at your company. After completing this program, driver trainers will be prepared to effectively deliver J.J. Keller’s Safe & Smart® ELDT curriculum online, in the classroom, on the range and on the road. It’s the industry’s most hand-on, customizable trainer certification program, providing the flexibility to train your trainers when and how it works best for you. Not only is it ideal for new drivers, it’s also ideal for existing trainers who want to build their skills for the life of your drivers — and be able to continue coaching them the entire way.

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NLBMDA 119th Congress Legislation Tracker

NLBMDA now offers a new legislative tracker highlighting the status of priority bills we are actively supporting on Capitol Hill. The tracker will be updated regularly to reflect the progress of key legislation impacting the lumber and building material industry.

U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Advances SPEED Act Out of Committee

Last Thursday, the House Natural Resources Committee voted 25–18 to advance the SPEED Act (H.R. 4776) to the House floor. The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), who also leads the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 471), an NLBMDA-supported bill passed earlier this year. The SPEED Act proposes targeted updates to how the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is carried out. While NEPA plays an important role in assessing environmental impacts, the process has grown increasingly lengthy and complex, with major federal projects often spending more time in courtrooms debating procedure than with shovels in the ground. To address these delays, the bill sets firmer deadlines for environmental assessments and impact statements, expands the use of categorical exclusions, and allows agencies to draw on previously completed reviews for similar projects.

The SPEED Act also narrows when agencies may revisit completed analyses or revoke previously issued authorizations, aiming to provide greater certainty for project sponsors. NLBMDA continues to monitor and engage with congressional offices on permitting-related reforms given their potential impact on federal project delivery, infrastructure investment, and materials demand.

Department of Interior Restores 2019 Endangered Species Act Framework

The U.S. Department of the Interior has released four proposed revisions to Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations, a move which reverses a series of rulemakings promulgated under the Biden administration. Among the proposals is a change to end the “blanket” protections for newly listed threatened species, instead requiring species-specific rules that consider conservation and economic factors. Land developers and homebuilders have argued that the current regulatory framework hinders housing development through requiring lengthy consultation processes for federally backed construction activities involving species listed under the ESA. NLBMDA is currently evaluating the rulemakings ahead of the closing of a 30-day comment window in December.

LAT names new leaders

The Lumbermen’s Association of Texas (LAT) has elected Cason Shrode as President of its Board of Directors. In addition, Jammy Pate and Charles Pool assumed roles on LAT’s Executive Committee as First and Second Vice President.

“I’m honored to step into this role and serve our members,” said Cason Shrode, CEO at Jones Legacy Ventures. “As market conditions, technologies and customer expectations continue to change, our industry is navigating a rapidly changing landscape. The collective strength provided by LAT is more important than ever.”

Hancock Lumber’s Wolfeboro lumberyard recently completed several exterior renovation projects and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting celebration on October 30 bringing together employees, customers, vendor partners, and community members. Aimed at enhancing both the employee and customer experiences, Team Hancock’s commitment to reinvestment projects continue.

Boise Cascade lands Mass. acquisition

Boise Cascade has reached an agreement to purchase Humphrey Company, Inc. (d/b/a Holden Humphrey), a two-step distributor of building materials located in Chicopee, Mass., with approximately $145 million in revenue over the last 12 months.

Founded in 1987, Holden Humphrey’s distribution facility serves lumber dealers and one-step distributors throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Holden Humphrey offers a wide range of specialty building product categories, with an emphasis on siding, wood decking and trim products. They are a large supplier of James Hardie siding, and Boise says this acquisition will also further strengthen distribution partnerships with CertainTeed and Henry.

The acquisition also aims to open up Boise's footprint into new Northeast territories, per the company.

Weyerhaeuser Distribution Adds New Castle Steel in California, Arizona

Weyerhaeuser announced a partnership with New Castle Steel to bring the company’s innovative, steel deck-framing products to markets in California and Arizona through select Weyerhaeuser distribution centers. This partnership expands our Distribution portfolio of more than 30,000 SKUs from top suppliers and will make New Castle Steel’s complete line of light-gauge, steel framing solutions for outdoor living spaces available to our dealers and customers across both states, starting later this year.

New Castle Steel’s triple-coated, galvanized steel framing products are corrosion resistant, made in America and are 100 percent recyclable, contributing LEED certification points to building projects. They also come with a Class 1A “noncombustible” fire rating — important for building in fire-prone areas across the Western U.S.