(The Center Square) – Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to safeguard the nation’s white oak tree population, which is key to several commercial industries and vital to wildlife.
Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Mark Warner, D-Va., introduced the White Oak Resilience Act of 2025, which will “mobilize” more federal resources and research in protecting the tree’s population.
The senators say the trees are essential to the ecosystem and a “trademark” for several American industries. In addition, the White Oak is regarded as “the most important hardwood tree” in the eastern half of the country. The trees are also vital to multiple wildlife species.
However, bourbon is likely binding the neighboring commonwealths while forging a bipartisan endeavor to protect the historic tree.
The wood from the white oak has long been used to age Kentucky’s most famous spirit, where bourbon, bluegrass and horses reign supreme. The Bluegrass State produces 95% of the global bourbon supply and contributes about $9 billion to the commonwealth’s economy, according to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
Virginia plays an essential role in preserving the tree, with the commonwealth housing one of the country’s largest concentrations of the tree.
The “iconic” tree can take nearly 25 years to mature fully. About 75% of all the white oaks across the eastern part of the country “can be classified as ‘mature,’ while populations of young white oak trees are limited,” according to the White Oak Initiative.
Research shows that “existing white oak stocks are sufficient for near-future demand.” There is significant concern about long-term sustainability due to the lack of seedlings. In short, the older trees are not being replaced with younger ones to support future demand.
The senators warn that the “impending shortage” could threaten the species’ future while generating billions of dollars of economic impact on the nation. The duo hopes their legislation will lead to the reversal of the depletion of the white oak and address the threat of extinction could have on the economy.
McConnell underscored the need to protect the white oak in an effort to protect the Bluegrass state’s economy.
“Kentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, used to age our state’s signature spirit in its wooden barrels,” McConnell said “As we face an impending White Oak shortage, I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help protect this species and preserve Kentucky’s iconic bourbon industry that bolsters our economy and supports thousands of jobs across the commonwealth.”
While McConnell highlighted the economic impact of preserving the trees, Warner underscored the white oak’s ecological impact.
“Virginia is home to one of the highest concentrations of White Oak trees in the country, and they play an indispensable role in our ecology and our economy,” said Warner.
“These trees have tremendous utility as both food for many species and material for the forestry industry, but without further action, we could face a severe shortage soon.”
In addition to bridging political parties, the legislation is garnering support from multiple spirit distributors and associations while receiving approval from various conservationists.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
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