MATSUI AND COLLEAGUES REINTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO HELP HOMEOWNERS PLANT MORE TREES AND REDUCE ENERGY COSTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Representatives Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and John Sarbanes (D-MD) reintroduced the TREES Act, a bill that will help homeowners lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and help mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.
The TREES Act would create a cost-share grant program at the Department of Energy to provide $50 million in funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The program seeks to prioritize low wealth communities as well as areas with low tree canopy and heat islands.
“Urban forests can be a keystone for addressing the climate crisis and air pollution, yet far too many communities across the country lack access to these critical green spaces,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Sacramento is the City of Trees – and through the proactive efforts of local organizations and partners we are working hard to build out a more equitable urban tree canopy across our city. The benefits are clear: we can lower energy costs, reduce temperatures on our streets, improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and beautify our neighborhoods – all leading to healthier and more climate resilient communities. The TREES Act incentivizes successful programs like ours and scales them to the national level. By creating a competitive federal tree-planting grant program, we can empower communities to improve green space and clean air access, reduce consumer costs, and help fight climate change – a win-win-win.”
“As temperatures continue to rise and heat waves become increasingly frequent, particularly in urban communities like Kansas City, it is imperative that our society does more to address the impacts of climate change, combat the heat island effect, and protect our neighbors from extreme heat,” said Congressman Cleaver. “One of the best weapons in that battle is one of God’s greatest gifts to the planet—beautiful trees. I’m proud to join Rep. Matsui to introduce the TREES Act to help communities across the country plant millions more trees that have been proven to lower temperatures in our communities and reduce utility bills for everyday Americans.”
“Planting a higher number of trees in communities nationwide will improve overall air quality, reduce cooling costs, and boost the value of property,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.“I’m proud to join the introduction of the bipartisan TREES Act to direct funds to empower states and local communities to plant more trees and boost the quality of life throughout our country.”
“Trees help communities reduce energy bills, fight climate change and breathe easier,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “However, too many people lack access to outdoor green spaces and the benefits they provide. I’m proud once again to join the reintroduction of Congresswoman Matsui’s TREES Act to help homeowners – especially in communities of color – plant more trees to improve the quality of life and bring us one step closer to a greener future for all.”
“SMUD supports the TREES Act as it will benefit us, other utilities and customers across the nation. For more than three decades, SMUD has proudly led the way in distributing over 600,000 free trees to our customers across the Sacramento region through our partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation,” said Paul Lau, CEO and General Manager, SMUD. “The positive impact trees have on our customers' lives is evident each day, providing not only cooling and energy savings to homes, but also actively mitigating stormwater damage and facilitating carbon sequestration—effectively purifying the very air we breathe. SMUD's longstanding partnership with the Sacramento Tree Foundation continues to flourish, as we work together to care for and expand the city's tree canopy, offering customers a chance to contribute to our thriving urban forest. With the support of the TREES Act, we are unwavering in our commitment to pave the way for more communities, including those that have been historically underserved, to embrace this extraordinary initiative, creating a healthier, greener and more sustainable future for all.”
“The TREES Act is a forward-thinking piece of legislation that creates a collaborative community focused on making our communities healthier and more resilient,” said Dr. Jessica Sanders, Executive Director, Sacramento Tree Foundation. “Trees are lifesaving infrastructure that create cleaner air, cooler homes, and vibrant communities. Utility companies, nonprofits, state, local and the federal government all have a pivotal role to play in reducing carbon emissions and providing benefits to our communities. The Sacramento Tree Foundation applauds this bipartisan effort to ensure all communities can benefit from this legislation.”
“As climate and biodiversity crises continues to threaten wildlife and communities, investing in urban green spaces and native plants is critical to creating a cleaner and cooler environment for everyone,” said Jesse Walls, Senior Director of Government Affairs, National Audubon Society. “In addition to naturally capturing and storing carbon to help reduce emissions, these measures will also help to address heat islands that disproportionately impact underserved communities. We are glad to support this bipartisan bill that will make our towns and cities an equitable part of the climate solution.”
“Trees save lives, lower energy bills, reduce emissions, and create healthier communities for all of us,” said Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Forests Policy, American Forests. “The bipartisan TREES Act will empower communities to provide more equitable tree canopy in residential neighborhoods, embracing the power of trees as a natural climate solution benefiting people, our environment and our economy.”
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
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