Washington, DC -- Representatives Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) and Mike Thompson (D-Napa) are requesting that the federal government release $5 million in FY02 emergency funds to combat Sudden Oak Death. Reps. Thompson and Woolsey want these funds for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand their research into this devastating disease.
"Timing on this issue is critical to success," Rep. Thompson said. "The longer these funds are delayed, the closer we come to losing a resource that defines our region's open spaces."

"It’s essential that we act quickly and decisively to combat Sudden Oak Death," said Rep. Woolsey. "If this disease goes unchecked, it has the potential to harm woodlands from southern California to southern Oregon. We must protect our natural environment. Sudden Oak Death has already killed tens of thousands of oak trees along our coasts, primarily in Marin County. More research is also needed to determine whether the same fungus that causes Sudden Oak Death may threaten the survival of our world famous, ancient Redwoods."

In the closing days of the Clinton Administration, Rep. Woolsey spearheaded a Bay Area Congressional delegation effort to secure $3.5 million for the USDA to fight Sudden Oak Death. This current FY02 proposal supported by Reps. Thompson and Woolsey mirrors the funding they fought for in the USDA budget last Fall.

Rep. Woolsey also introduced H.R. 2144, in which Rep. Mike Thompson was an original co-sponsor, to provide more than $70 million over five years to combat Sudden Oak Death. The bill, which is the House companion to legislation offered by Senator Barbara Boxer, would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct research, monitoring, management, treatment and outreach activities relating to Sudden Oak Death Syndrome.