H.R.2405 - The White Oak Resilience Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2405, the White Oak Resilience Act, directs the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out activities related to white oak restoration. It establishes a White Oak Restoration Initiative Coalition and calls for pilot projects within the Forest Service and Department of the Interior.
The bill also mandates the creation of a White Oak and Upland Oak Habitat Regeneration Program and addresses tree nursery shortages. Furthermore, it promotes white oak research and establishes a formal initiative within the USDA to support white oak forests.
Several sections of the bill include sunset clauses, terminating authority after seven years, and emphasize collaboration with various stakeholders, including state, tribal, and private entities.
Expected Effects
The White Oak Resilience Act aims to improve the health and regeneration of white oak forests across the United States. This will likely lead to increased conservation efforts and collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and private entities.
It could also result in increased funding for white oak restoration projects and research. The establishment of pilot programs and a national strategy for tree nurseries could enhance the availability of white oak seedlings and improve reforestation efforts.
Ultimately, the act seeks to enhance the resilience of white oak ecosystems and the benefits they provide, such as wildlife habitat and timber resources.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Ecosystem Health: The act focuses on restoring white oak forests, which can lead to healthier ecosystems and increased biodiversity.
- Enhanced Wildlife Habitat: White oak forests provide crucial habitat for various wildlife species, and the act aims to improve and regenerate these habitats.
- Economic Opportunities: Restoration projects and increased timber resources can create economic opportunities in rural communities.
- Increased Collaboration: The act promotes collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and private entities, leading to more effective conservation efforts.
- Scientific Advancement: The act supports research on white oak, which can lead to improved restoration and management techniques.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: The act focuses specifically on white oak, potentially neglecting other important species or ecosystem needs.
- Sunset Clauses: The seven-year sunset clauses on several sections may limit the long-term impact of the act.
- Funding Dependency: The success of the act depends on the availability of appropriations, which may fluctuate over time.
- Potential for Bureaucracy: Establishing new programs and initiatives could create bureaucratic hurdles and inefficiencies.
- Uncertainty of Pilot Project Success: The pilot projects may not be successful in all areas, and the results may not be easily replicable.
Constitutional Alignment
The White Oak Resilience Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. The act's focus on environmental conservation and resource management falls under this broad mandate.
Additionally, the act's emphasis on collaboration between federal and state governments aligns with the principles of federalism. The Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2) grants Congress the power to manage and regulate federal lands, which is relevant to the Forest Service and Department of the Interior's role in the act.
There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
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).