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Sarbanes Joins Bipartisan Push to Help Homeowners Plant More Trees and Reduce Energy Costs

May 26, 2021

The TREES Act Would Boost Residential Tree Planting, Especially in Underserved Communities Across America

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md.) today joined U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.), as well as U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), to introduce the Residential Energy and Economic Savings Act (TREES) Act, a bipartisan bill to help lower home energy bills, increase the tree canopy in underserved communities and mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.

The TREES Act would create a cost-share grant program at the U.S. Department of Energy that provides $50 million in funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2026. The program prioritizes low-income communities, heat islands and areas with low tree canopy.

"This bipartisan effort will help lower home energy costs, reduce stormwater runoff and increase the tree canopy in communities across the country – especially in communities of color that too often get denied the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of outdoor green spaces," said Congressman Sarbanes. "By planting more trees, we can also take an important step forward to address the climate crisis, improve air quality and promote equity so that all Americans get to enjoy the benefits of trees."

See here for bill text.

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Issues:Environment