Washington, D.C. – Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) has reintroduced the White Oak Resilience Act, bipartisan legislation that promotes the long-term health of the American white oak—a keystone species essential to forest ecosystems and a critical component of Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry.
Without decisive action, the American white oak population is projected to decline substantially within the next 10 to 15 years, with even steeper losses anticipated in the decades ahead. Congressman Barr’s bill takes a proactive approach to combat this threat, emphasizing collaboration between federal agencies, the private sector, and land grant institutions.
“The White Oak Resilience Act is not just about saving a species of tree,” said Congressman Barr. “It’s about conserving biodiversity, strengthening rural economies, and protecting Kentucky’s bourbon industry, which depends on white oak barrels to deliver the distinct flavor that defines our world-famous product. This legislation is a smart, forward-looking investment in our economy, our environment, and our cultural heritage.”
“The lumber industry and the bourbon barrel manufacturing industry have employed generations of southeastern Kentuckians. White oak logs are the iconic staple of the staves that are used to make the 53-gallon bourbon barrels that are made in Kentucky and shipped around the world. The white oak is also a substantial habitat and food source for our wildlife. So, I am proud to join my Kentucky colleague Rep. Andy Barr to protect the future of our essential white oak trees to focus on restoration and regeneration in our national forests.” – U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05), Dean of the House
“I’m proud to cosponsor the White Oak Restoration Act, which would implement collaborative strategies to sustain White Oak forestry for the future,” said Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02). “This bill is vital to protect Kentucky’s environmental resources and grow our economy. Taking the necessary steps to restore the regeneration of White Oak will ensure our ability to bolster industries in Kentucky.”
“Without white oak trees, there is no Kentucky bourbon. To protect and enhance our white oak forests, I’m proud to be joining Representative Barr and my colleagues today in introducing the White Oak Resilience Act. White oak is the backbone of the bourbon industry, and our bipartisan legislation will ensure Kentucky’s world-class distilleries continue to have access to this critical resource. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill to the President’s desk.” — Congressman James Comer (KY-01)
“I’m proud to once again work with my colleague and friend, Congressman Barr, to strengthen our state’s signature equine industry. This important, bipartisan legislation will grow our state’s economy and ensure Kentucky remains the horseracing and breeding capital of the United States.” — Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03)
“Maintaining healthy white oak forests is important for the environment and essential for a wide range of industries. White oaks take up to 100 years to reach maturity. It is critical that we take the opportunity now to ensure white oak is available for future generations.” — Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)
“While there are plenty of white oak trees out there right now, the data clearly shows that regeneration isn’t happening at the levels we’ve historically seen, and soon this will be a serious problem for everything from the American bourbon industry to native plants and wildlife if we don’t act today,” said Jason Meyer, Executive Director of the White Oak Initiative. “Fortunately, this bill proposes much-needed measures to rejuvenate our white oak forests, promoting biodiversity and supporting the hard-working folks who rely on them.”
The bill empowers the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service to lead white oak restoration projects and establishes a White Oak Restoration Fund to support public-private partnerships focused on regeneration, reforestation, and long-term sustainability.
Kentucky’s $9 billion bourbon industry depends on new, charred white oak barrels to age its products—making the health of white oak forests not just an environmental concern, but an economic one.
