Rep. Mike Dobrinski’s House Bill 2162, known as the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act, aims to expand a program for eradicating harmful trees and shrubs in watersheds across Oklahoma. Named after former Agriculture Secretary Terry Peach, the legislation builds on a 2023 pilot program focusing on the North Canadian Watershed to combat red cedars and other invasive species. The bill, which passed the House with a vote of 88 to 4, seeks to improve water flow, protect properties from fire hazards, and support the economy by preserving grazing lands and wildlife habitats. It establishes a revolving fund to be managed by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, with an estimated $10 million for expansion pending appropriations approval. Dobrinski emphasized the urgency of addressing wildfire risks, drawing parallels to recent California wildfires. The bill now moves to the state Senate, led by Sen. Casey Murdock.
Source link
