In an attempt to try to raise the profile of American hardwoods and ward off the perceived threat to the Lacey Act posed by The Relief Act, the Hardwood Federation (HF) supplied Congress with wood bats for the 51st Annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, which was played June 28.
In an attempt to try to raise the profile of American hardwoods and ward off the perceived threat to the Lacey Act posed by The Relief Act, the Hardwood Federation (HF) supplied Congress with wood bats for the 51st Annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity, which was played June 28.
The wood bats, which were emblazoned with the phrase "American Hardwoods: Legal and Sustainable," were donated by BWP Bats of Brookville, Pa. They were only used during warmups, as the game is played using aluminum bats. After the game, the bats were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.
"Wooden bats are synonymous with baseball, so it seemed like a good opportunity to remind members of Congress that the U.S. wood products industry is among the most environmentally responsible in the world," said Dana Lee Cole, the Hardwood Federation's new executive director.
Days after the game, the Hardwood Federation sent members another plea to lobby their House representatives to not support the Relief Act, which the Federation said could come up for a vote after Congress returned to work after the July 4 holiday. Those opposing the Relief Act are urged to contact their House representatives through the U.S. Capitol operator at (202) 224-3121.