Metro Lex News

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced the White Oak Resilience Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at ensuring a sustainable future for American white oak. The bill addresses the critical shortages faced by the white oak population, highlighting its vital importance to the environment, the economy, and the bourbon industry.

The American white oak tree population is projected to decline significantly in the next 10-15 years if current consumption rates continue. This decline is expected to worsen over the next several decades. White oak serves as a cornerstone to ecosystems and directly impacts Kentucky's signature bourbon industry.

The White Oak Resilience Act includes key provisions that authorize the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Forest Service to actively participate in white oak restoration projects. It also aims to harness private investment and establish a white oak restoration fund to support white oak regeneration on national forests.

"The White Oak Resilience Act is not just about saving trees; it's about preserving our heritage, safeguarding biodiversity, and fortifying an industry that is critical to Kentucky’s economy," said Congressman Andy Barr. "The future of the bourbon industry, which relies on the unique characteristics of white oak barrels, and the future of countless ecosystems are intertwined with the sustainability of the white oak."

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-06) expressed his support for the bill, stating, "I am proud to join Rep. Barr and our colleagues in introducing the White Oak Resilience Act to provide long-term sustainability for our white oak forests. This bill is a comprehensive investment in the conservation and restoration activities across several federal land management agencies for white oak trees."

Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04) also voiced his support, emphasizing the importance of white oak trees for Tennessee distilleries. "White Oak trees are an essential part of the whiskey-making process for our many Tennessee distilleries. I support the White Oak Resilience Act so that these businesses can continue to thrive and our famous Tennessee whiskey enjoyed around the world," he said.

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of white oak forests for various industries in Tennessee. "Maintaining healthy white oak forests is important for the environment and for a wide range of industries in Tennessee, including furniture, flooring, and the manufacture of oak casks for Jack Daniels whiskey production," stated Congressman Cohen.

Rep. McGarvey (KY-03) emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of the White Oak Resilience Act, stating, "It’s crucial we take action to grow more white oak trees now — it’s good for our planet, our economy, and let’s face it, you can’t make bourbon without it. The White Oak Resilience Act will help maintain our white oak population, ensuring economic success, environmental stewardship, and good bourbon well into the future."

Jason Meyer, Executive Director of the White Oak Initiative, commended the bill for proposing much-needed measures to rejuvenate white oak forests. "While there are plenty of white oak trees out there right now, the data clearly shows that regeneration isn’t happening at the levels we’ve historically seen, and soon this will be a serious problem for everything from the American bourbon industry to native plants and wildlife if we don’t act today," Meyer said.

The White Oak Resilience Act aims to preserve the heritage, biodiversity, and economic prosperity associated with white oak. By taking proactive steps to ensure the sustainability of the white oak tree population, the bill seeks to protect the future of the bourbon industry and countless ecosystems.

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