A bill that would expand a program to eradicate harmful trees and shrubs in certain watersheds in the State of Oklahoma passes the House Agriculture Committee.

The bill – titled the Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act – would build on another House Bill enacted in 2023, which created a pilot program focused on the North Canadian Watershed with the goal of exploring solutions to the infestation of red cedars and other invasive species. This new bill would remove the pilot status of the program and would create a revolving fund to be administered by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission. The estimated cost of expansion is $10 million, which would have to be approved through the appropriations process.

The Terry Peach Watershed Restoration Act is now eligible to be heard in the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Oversight.