Alabama reintroduces bill to combat pine beetle infestations

Alabama is reintroducing the "Emergency Pine Beetle Response Act of 2025" to combat the annual loss of tens of thousands of pine trees and hundreds of thousands of dollars due to pine beetle infestations.

These small beetles typically appear during drought seasons, burrowing into the bark of pine trees to lay eggs, which can eventually dry out and kill the trees.

Sen. Katie Britt said pine beetle infestations spread fast and can have negative impacts on the lumber industry. She noted that if the industry suffers, it could lead to increased costs for home renovations and furniture, higher home prices, and job losses within the industry.

The act she introduced would provide more aid to remove infected trees during outbreaks.

"It can affect the economy of the lumber industry. Let's think