Senators reintroduce legislation to address pine beetle infestations

RUSTON, La. (KNOE) - Senators John Kennedy of Louisiana and Cindy Hyde Smith of Mississippi have reintroduced a bill that seeks to address pine beetle infestations. If passed, it would provide grants, cost-share payments and USDA assistance to forestry workers.

“Many in the Congress, many in other parts of the country don’t understand what landowners, loggers, and our forest industry do,” Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vansdersteen said. “They all like trees, but they don’t understand the risks that landowners, loggers, and industry take in utilizing this resource.”

LA Tech Forestry Professor Dr. Joshua Adams says the proposed legislation would affect states like Mississippi with high levels of pine beetles and may prevent those like Louisiana from following suit.