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Congress·Reported·about 2 months ago

Congress directs USDA and Interior to launch white oak restoration pilots and expand tree seedling supply

Also known as: The White Oak Resilience Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(3)
Small Business Owner
Neutral
Gig Worker
Neutral
Renter
Neutral
Positive Impacts(4)
Farmer Rancher
Helps
Homeowner
Helps
Tribal Member
Helps
Student
Helps

Key Points

  • Congress directs the Agriculture and Interior Departments to coordinate a nationwide effort to restore white oak forests on public and private land.
  • Agriculture Department would run 5 white oak pilot projects in national forests, and Interior would do an assessment plus 5 pilot projects on its lands like refuges and abandoned mine sites.
  • A new voluntary (non-regulatory) program would offer grants and expert help to landowners and partners to regrow white oak and improve wildlife habitat tied to these forests.
  • Agriculture Department must create a national plan to boost tree nursery capacity and address tree seedling shortages, including improving seed diversity and nursery infrastructure.
  • The bill supports research with Tribes and colleges on hardier white oak genetics, better replanting methods, and matching seeds to future climate conditions; most authorities end after 7 years.
EnvironmentAgricultureClimate Change

Milestones

5 milestones7 actions
Jan 8, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-434, Part I.

Jul 15, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.

Jul 15, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Apr 18, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

Apr 18, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Soon after the bill is enacted

White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition is set up with staff support from USDA and the Interior Department

Creates a central group that can coordinate projects and make recommendations that shape where restoration help goes

Within 90 days after enactment

Interior Department completes its white oak presence and restoration assessment and posts a public report

The report will show where white oak exists on Interior-managed lands (like refuges and abandoned mine lands) and where restoration could happen

After the 90-day report is submitted

Interior Department starts 5 pilot restoration projects on Interior-managed lands after the report

People near selected sites may see on-the-ground habitat work; partners may see new contract and cooperation opportunities

After enactment as pilots are selected and agreements are signed

Forest Service begins 5 pilot projects in national forests to restore and naturally regenerate white oak

Selected national forest areas may get planting and forest management work; some areas could have temporary access limits during projects

Within 180 days after enactment

USDA creates the White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program (non-regulatory)

Sets up a new voluntary pathway for grants and technical help aimed at white oak and upland oak habitat

After the Program is established and if Congress provides money

USDA enters an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to run the grant program (once funded)

Applicants would likely apply through the Foundation’s process rather than directly through USDA, which can change timelines and paperwork

On October 1 (or soon after) of each funded fiscal year

Advance yearly payments to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation begin for grant funding (if appropriated)

Grant money could become available on a regular yearly schedule, often starting around the federal fiscal year

Within 1 year after enactment

Forest Service releases a national strategy to expand tree nursery capacity and reduce seedling shortages

Could lead to more seed collection, nursery expansion, and more seedlings available for replanting projects over the next few years

7 years after enactment

Authorities for pilots, grants, and research end unless extended

Programs could stop taking new projects after the sunset date, which matters for long-term planning and repeat funding

Related News

1 article
Axios (Richmond)·about 1 year ago

Virginia-grown White Oak trees are under threat — and so is the world's bourbon supply

Explains threats to white oak supply for bourbon barrels and highlights the White Oak Resilience Act of 2025 as a federal response focused on restoration and research.

C+

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

The White Oak Resilience Act

Bill NumberHR 2405
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-434, Part I.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(8)
D: 4R: 4

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.