The U.S. House of Representatives introduced the bipartisan White Oak Resilience Act, which would spur white oak forest restoration and regeneration projects, prioritize white oak projects and expand research of white oak in the U.S.
Jason Meyer, executive director of the White Oak Initiative, a coalition committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests, said that despite the abundance of white oak, data shows regeneration—younger trees replacing older ones—is not happening at levels historically seen. The lack of replenishment could pose serious problems in the future for wildlife and industries such as flooring that rely on white oak.
"Fortunately, this bill proposes much-needed measures to rejuvenate our white oak forests, supporting the hard-working folks who rely on them and promoting biodiversity,” Meyer said in a statement.
The bill is cosponsored by Congressional White Oak Caucus and Congressional Bourbon Caucus leaders Andy Barr (R-KY), Ami Bera (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY).
