Us Congress House Bill HB2405

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25

Caption

The White Oak Resilience Act

Impact

This legislation is significant as it proposes several initiatives aimed at improving the health of white oak populations and their associated ecosystems. The act mandates the development of a national strategy to counteract tree nursery shortages and also establishes a program that encourages grants and technical assistance for individuals and cooperative groups engaged in white oak restoration. Moreover, it will facilitate research around climate resilience strategies that will further enhance the sustainability of these tree populations in changing environmental conditions.

Summary

House Bill 2405, known as the White Oak Resilience Act, is aimed at restoring white oak forests across the United States. The act directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to collaborate on restoration activities. It establishes the White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition, which is a voluntary group consisting of various stakeholders, including federal, state, and tribal governments, as well as non-governmental organizations. The coalition will address restoration through diverse methods, such as maintaining a seed bank of genetically diverse white oak trees and reforesting areas affected by past mining activities.

Contention

While the intent of the act aligns with conservation goals, there may be contention around issues of funding and resource allocation, particularly in how federal and state agencies can work together effectively. There might also be discussions on the degree of involvement of local private landowners and how effectively their needs can be integrated into large-scale restoration efforts. As the act underscores a proactive approach towards environmental stewardship, stakeholders must balance ecological priorities with practical implementation challenges.