Metro Lex News

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Fix Our Forests Act," which included Congressman Andy Barr’s amendment to establish the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition. This initiative aims to address the projected decline of white oak populations over the next two decades. White oak currently spans 104 million acres across the United States and is vital for biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and various industries.

“White oak is essential to Kentucky’s bourbon industry and the broader economy of the Sixth District. The creation of the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition is a proactive step to ensure that this critical resource continues to thrive,” said Rep. Barr (KY-06). “This initiative will not only support the preservation of white oak for the future, but it will also safeguard the jobs and industries that rely on it. I’m proud to champion this effort to protect one of Kentucky’s most valuable natural assets.”

“You can’t have bourbon without white oak,” said Rep. McGarvey (KY-03). “Rep. Barr has been a great partner on this effort, and I’m proud to see it advance out of the House under his amendment. This is a key step in making sure we have enough white oak to support our environment—and bourbon—for generations to come.”

“I am proud to have joined a bipartisan majority of House lawmakers in supporting the White Oak Resilience Act to provide long-term sustainability for our White Oak forests,” said Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06). “Covering millions of acres across America, White Oak forests support numerous wildlife and plant ecosystems while serving as a critical resource for several American industries from furniture to wine and spirits. This bill is a comprehensive investment in conservation and restoration activities across several federal land management agencies for White Oak trees. I look forward to working with the Senate to get the White Oak Resilience Act signed into law so we can conserve this critical resource for generations to come.”

The amendment encourages collaboration between the US Forest Service, private partners, and state partners at no cost to taxpayers. It asks both the Forest Service and Department of Interior to regenerate white oak through pilot projects on national parks and volunteered private lands. Additionally, it allows memorandums of understanding with land grant institutions for conducting research on white oak.

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