The White Oak Resilience Act
Congress directs USDA and Interior to launch white oak restoration pilots and expand tree seedling supply
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-434, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
The White Oak Resilience Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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