RNGR Support Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7712
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T21:26:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to strengthen the reforestation supply chain in the United States by directing the Secretary of Agriculture, through the U.S. Forest Service, to partner with various domestic and international entities. It establishes support mechanisms, including a grant program, to enhance nurseries (facilities that grow trees and native plants) and seed orchards (dedicated areas for producing high-quality seeds), addressing challenges like climate change, tree genetics, and workforce needs to promote natural regeneration, reforestation (replanting trees in deforested areas), agroforestry (integrating trees into farming), and afforestation (planting trees in new areas).
Key Provisions
- Partnerships and Assistance: The Secretary must collaborate with federal and state agencies, Indian Tribes (federally recognized Native American groups), universities, nonprofits, and private nurseries to offer training, technical help, and research for tree-growing programs. This includes sharing knowledge on seeds, seedlings, climate impacts, disease-resistant genetics, and the full reforestation process.
- International Support: Provide technical and financial aid to global nursery and tree-planting efforts via Forest Service programs, the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. Collaborate with entities like the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.
- Coordination and Expansion: Coordinate Department of Agriculture efforts to tackle reforestation supply chain issues, such as workforce training and economic support for private nurseries. Expand supply chains through scientific research, seed collection/storage, infrastructure improvements, and faster permitting for seed collection on National Forest System lands (public forests managed by the Forest Service).
- Grant Program: Within two years of enactment, create a program offering grants to eligible recipients for projects like:
- Building or upgrading nursery infrastructure for better seed/seedling handling and genetic management.
- Starting or expanding nurseries/seed orchards, including equipment purchases.
- Implementing quality controls.
- Developing workforce skills in reforestation.
- Other Secretary-approved activities.
- Funding Mechanism: From the existing Reforestation Trust Fund (a dedicated fund for forest replanting), up to $5 million per fiscal year can be used for these purposes, overriding prior spending limits.
- Definitions: Clarifies terms like "eligible recipient" (state forestry agencies, Indian Tribes, experienced private nurseries focusing on native trees/plants), "nursery," "seed orchard," and "State" (includes U.S. territories).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Modifies section 303(d) of Public Law 96-451 (the National Forest Management Act of 1976), which established the Reforestation Trust Fund. Previously, funds had restrictions on obligations; this act allows up to $5 million annually to be redirected specifically for nursery and seed orchard support, without needing further congressional approval for those amounts.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances the Forest Service's capacity to manage forests and respond to environmental threats, potentially reducing long-term costs for wildfire recovery and biodiversity loss. Increases coordination across federal departments, streamlining international aid efforts.
- Citizens: Improves tree planting success rates, leading to healthier forests that combat climate change, prevent erosion, and support wildlife. Creates jobs in rural areas through workforce development and private nursery growth, benefiting communities near national forests.
- International Relations: Bolsters U.S. leadership in global environmental initiatives, fostering partnerships with international organizations and aiding tropical/island nations with reforestation, which could enhance diplomatic ties and shared climate goals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: U.S. Department of Agriculture (especially Forest Service), Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- State and Local Entities: State forestry agencies and territorial governments.
- Tribal Communities: Indian Tribes, with emphasis on culturally significant native plants and seeds.
- Private Sector and Nonprofits: Private nurseries, universities, and nonprofit organizations involved in conservation and research.
- International Partners: Global entities like the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization and forestry institutes in Pacific Islands and tropical regions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Expands administrative authority for the Secretary of Agriculture without creating new regulatory burdens; the grant program includes flexibility ("other activities determined appropriate"), which could lead to future rulemaking. Ensures compliance with existing laws like the National Forest Management Act by building on its frameworks.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; supports federal stewardship of public lands (a congressional power under the Property Clause) and tribal consultation, aligning with treaty obligations.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (by Reps. Schrier and Bergman) signals broad support for environmental and rural economic policies. Could influence future climate legislation by addressing reforestation gaps, potentially setting precedents for funding trust funds in conservation bills.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetic Resources Support Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (6 pages)