S.476 - White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The White Oak Resiliency Act of 2025 aims to restore white oak populations through various initiatives. It directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to carry out activities related to white oak restoration. This includes establishing a White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition and implementing pilot projects in national forests and on Department of the Interior lands.
The Act also focuses on research, nursery capacity, and partnerships with land-grant colleges and universities. It establishes a nonregulatory program for white oak and upland oak habitat regeneration, along with a grant and technical assistance program.
Finally, the Act emphasizes coordination among federal, state, and tribal entities, as well as private landowners, to improve white oak management and regeneration.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to increase white oak populations and improve the health of white oak forests. This will be achieved through coordinated restoration efforts, research, and technical assistance. The Act will also foster collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, private landowners, and academic institutions.
Potential Benefits
- Improved forest health and biodiversity.
- Enhanced wildlife habitat.
- Increased carbon sequestration.
- Support for the stave industry (used in barrel making).
- Potential for increased recreational opportunities in restored forests.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing the various programs and initiatives.
- Possible conflicts with other land management priorities.
- The effectiveness of the voluntary programs may be limited.
- Time lag between implementation and measurable results.
- Reliance on cooperative agreements may introduce administrative complexities.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, as it promotes environmental conservation and resource management. It also respects states' rights by emphasizing coordination with state governments. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).