Bill to Ensure Future Supply of White Oak Products Advances in Congress

The White Oak Resilience Act (H.R. 5582), a bill designed to promote and increase conservation efforts surrounding white oak and white oak products, was unanimously voted to advance the House Committee on Natural Resources, moving it one step closer to becoming law.

The bill was championed by the White Oak Initiative, a coalition of industries, trade associations, universities, state and federal agencies, private landowners and conservation groups.

Specifically, the bill would create:

• A formal USDA White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition that would prioritize and coordinate white oak projects
• New white oak restoration and regeneration pilot projects coordinated through the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior
• A private-sector white oak restoration fund
• A nationwide strategy and implementation plan expanding the capacity of tree nurseries
• Expanded research of white oak by land-grant universities and the U.S. Forest Service.

The bill has received bipartisan support, with Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas stating it will “advance white oak restoration efforts through science, collaboration and philanthropic partnerships.”