Rep. Cleaver Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Plant Millions of Trees Across the Country

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Doris Matsui (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced The Residential Energy and Economic Savings (TREES) Act. The bipartisan legislation would create a federal grant program to support the planting of millions of trees across the country, helping to lower energy costs, increase tree canopy in underserved communities, and mitigate the effects of climate change through residential tree planting.

“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.”

“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.” 

“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 John 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.”

“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 at the 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, American Forests Vice President of Urban Forests Policy. “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.”

The bipartisan TREES Act would formally create a competitive grant program at the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide $50 million in federal funding to plant a minimum of 300,000 trees annually in residential neighborhoods through 2028. The grant program would be required to prioritize low-income and underserved communities as well as densely-populated areas with low tree canopy and high energy burdens.

As the planet endures the hottest year on record, reforestation is a vital component to combating extreme heat and other impacts of climate change, particularly for frontline communities in urban areas. By creating a competitive tree-planting grant program, Congress can empower local communities to increase tree canopy coverage, reduce residential energy costs, and combat extreme heat with successful tree-planting programs being scaled to the national level.

Congressman Cleaver has long supported congressional attempts to create and fund tree-planting programs across the country. In 2020, Rep. Cleaver introduced the bipartisan TREE Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives that year, to fund tree-planting programs in residential neighborhoods nationwide. Last year, Congressman Cleaver pushed to include funding for tree-planting programs in the Inflation Reduction Act—which was passed into law and provided $12 million in September to Kansas City to plant and maintain trees, expand urban green spaces, combat extreme heat and climate change, and improve local access to nature.

The TREES Act is endorsed by American Forests, American Institute of Architects, Audubon, Bipartisan Policy Center, Earthjustice, League of Conservation Voters, National Association of State Foresters, REI, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Sacramento Tree Foundation, and Sierra Club.

Official text of the TREES Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.