Nathaniel Moran, Buddy Carter Introduce Bill To Help Forest Owners Weather Storm Season

As severe storms continue tearing through Texas, Representatives Nathaniel Moran (TX-R) and Buddy Carter (GA-R) introduced a bill in Washington, D.C, earlier this week to change tax rules so landowners and forestry operations can recover from natural disasters more quickly.

The Save America’s Family Forests Act removes taxation barriers that delay reforestation efforts across the country. Once a federal natural disaster is declared, landowners could immediately expense reforestation costs, with the current $10,000 cap eliminated.

Rep. Moran said this bill would give Texas forest landowners the necessary financial support and certainty to replant and restore forests.

“When a natural disaster tears through a rural community, landowners shouldn’t have to fight the IRS while fighting to replant their forests,” Rep. Moran said. He added that the East Texas community will be especially impacted by this legislation, considering forestlands cover over 50% of the region across 43 counties.

“Across East Texas, timber represents decades of strategic investment — and now our rural communities have the tools to reinvest quickly and rebuild for the next generation,” he said.

But Texas isn’t the only state this bill could help.

With the various natural disasters impacting states along the coast, Rep. Carter said this bill must be passed now.

“From South Georgia to the coast, our communities are seeing firsthand the devastating impacts of wildfires burning thousands of acres and threatening homes,” Rep. Carter said. “The Save America’s Family Forests Act ensures landowners can recover faster and keep their forests productive.”