Tuberville, Hyde-Smith Reintroduce Emergency Pine Beetle Response Act to Aid Southern Landowners

September 18, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a renewed effort to combat one of the South's most destructive forest pests, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) in reintroducing the Emergency Pine Beetle Response Act of 2025. The bipartisan legislation aims to provide critical support to private landowners, timber businesses, and municipalities grappling with the economic and environmental fallout of southern pine beetle infestations.

The bill comes amid alarming losses in Alabama, where an estimated 3.1 million trees were damaged by pine beetles last year, resulting in $87 million in economic losses for the state's forestry sector.

"Southern pine beetles have a disastrous impact on our forests, killing pine trees and decimating the economic value of our timber," said Sen. Tuberville. "Foresters are our ultimate conservationists, and this bill empowers them to act quickly and recover without burdensome regulations."

A Targeted Response to a Growing Threat

The legislation would strengthen existing USDA programs and equip the agency with new tools to respond to forest-related disasters. Key provisions include:

• 💰 85% cost-share payments to landowners for tree removal and thinning

• 🚛 50% cost-share incentives for loggers, haulers, and removal services

• 🏦 Access to USDA Emergency Loans for upfront financing, with repayment flexibility

• 🏢 Local USDA FSA Committees empowered to administer aid immediately after disaster declarations

• 🌲 Grants to states and municipalities for infested tree removal and forest health initiatives

Sen. Hyde-Smith emphasized the need for tailored disaster programs, especially in states like Mississippi where most forests are privately owned or located within city limits.

"The end of drought conditions didn't end the pine beetle infestation," Hyde-Smith said. "This bill addresses the real financial and logistical barriers landowners face in responding to outbreaks."

Alabama Forestry Leaders Voice Support

Chris Isaacson, President & CEO of the Alabama Forestry Association, praised the bill's focus on early detection and rapid response.

"This bill will provide timely resources for landowners and harvesting professionals to implement control measures," Isaacson said. "We appreciate Senator Tuberville's commitment to keeping Alabama's forests healthy and growing."

State Forester Rick Oates echoed the urgency, noting the substantial financial losses that follow a pine beetle attack.

"Once these insects attack a stand, the financial loss can be devastating," Oates said. "This bill will be highly beneficial to landowners and help protect the health of all Alabama forests."

Broad Bipartisan Support

Tuberville and Hyde-Smith were joined by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and John Ossoff (D-GA) in cosponsoring the legislation. The bill builds on Tuberville's previous advocacy during a 2023 Senate Agriculture Committee hearing, where he urged USDA officials to prioritize Alabama's forestry industry.

As Alabama continues to recover from recent infestations, the Emergency Pine Beetle Response Act offers a lifeline to landowners and foresters working to preserve one of the state's most vital natural resources.

Sen. Tuberville is running for Governor. The Republican primary is May 19, 2026.