Bill · S. 476· Senate(119-S-476)
White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 2/6/2025
- Last activity
- 2/6/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Mitch McConnell
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025," directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to implement various activities to restore and preserve white oak trees. It establishes the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition to coordinate restoration efforts among various organizations. The legislation mandates pilot projects within national forests and on specific covered lands to promote natural regeneration. Additionally, it creates the White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program to provide grants and technical assistance. Finally, the bill focuses on addressing tree nursery shortages and funding scientific research through land-grant institutions.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill actively funds the restoration, preservation, and genetic resiliency of white oak ecosystems.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill mandates scientific research into white oak genetics, survival, and growth.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill promotes regional economic development and forest management in rural areas.
The opposite
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
The bill exempts the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition from the Federal Advisory Committee Act, reducing transparency.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Coordination of Restoration Efforts: The creation of the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition will allow for coordinated restoration of white oak across public, State, local, and private sectors (Section 3).
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Improved Forest Health and Resilience: The bill aims to improve the health, resiliency, and natural regeneration of white oak, as well as the wildlife habitats they provide (Section 3 and Section 6).
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Support for Landowners: The bill includes provisions for outreach to forest landowners and the creation of a voluntary grant and technical assistance program to help with restoration (Section 3 and Section 6).
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Addressing Seedling Shortages: A national strategy will be implemented to increase the capacity of various tree nurseries to address the current shortage of white oak tree seedlings (Section 7).
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Scientific Advancement: The Act funds research into white oak genes for stress tolerance, survival, and growth, which can help ensure a sustainable supply of seedlings (Section 8 and Section 9).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Exemption from Federal Oversight: The White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition will not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Farmers+3Good For Low Income Households+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Rural Development+4Increases Renewable Energy Investment+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1
- 6/3/2025
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 2/6/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Thomas TillisRepublican · North Carolina
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi
Mark WarnerDemocrat · Virginia