Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) have introduced the White Oak Resilience Act of 2024. This legislation aims to mobilize federal resources and direct research towards safeguarding the nation's White Oak tree population.

White Oak trees play a crucial role in the environmental ecosystem and several American industries, including bourbon and furniture production. These trees provide sustenance and shelter for various wildlife species across the country.

The maturation process of White Oak trees can take up to 25 years, but a lack of seedlings has led to an impending shortage that threatens their future and the economic impact they generate nationwide. The bipartisan bill seeks to reverse this depletion and address its potential economic consequences.

“Kentucky bourbon is synonymous with the White Oak tree, used to age our state’s signature spirit in its wooden barrels," said Senator McConnell. "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."

“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,” stated Senator 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.”

Brown-Forman, a major American-owned spirits company, expressed support: “We are pleased to see the introduction of the White Oak Resilience Act to the Senate. Brown-Forman depends on healthy forests to provide white oak for our bourbon barrels... We are appreciative of the leadership from Senators McConnell and Warner.”

Elizabeth Wise from Sazerac also commended the senators: “Sazerac commends Senators McConnell and Warner for introducing the Senate companion to HR 5582... The spirits industry has found ideal wood in White Oak for our barrels.”

Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory added: “On behalf of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association... we applaud Leader McConnell and Senator Warner for their leadership in introducing the White Oak Resilience Act... The KDA... have an enduring commitment to sustainable use of natural resources.”

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto noted: “The research this measure directs will allow us to leverage our scientific expertise... As a land-grant institution committed to economic development, we are well-positioned to translate our findings into practical applications for the bourbon industry.”

Jason Meyer from the White Oak Initiative emphasized: “White Oak is a keystone species that supports over 500 types of wildlife while also bolstering rural economies... We’d like to thank Senators Warner and McConnell for their leadership.”

Virginia State Forester Robert W. Farrell remarked: “The White Oak Resilience Act will help Virginia's forest landowners care for their hardwood forests."

Earlier this year, Senators McConnell and Warner supported Senate passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 which included measures instructing U.S. Forest Service work on White Oak restoration.

U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) introduced a companion bill in the House.