Legislation would help plant trees
Even 140 years ago, when the first Arbor Day was celebrated, American knew trees were vital to every community.
“That’s data driven,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, speaking with reporters on Wednesday. “Having more trees in your neighborhood improves air quality, supports mental and physical health, lowers energy costs, and even helps manage stormwater and prevent flooding.”
In light of Arbor Day celebrations planned throughout Ohio and the
nation today, Brown plans to introduce legislation that will create the Neighborhood Trees Act of 2022, an effort to plant trees in communities that historically have been underserved when it comes to tree planting. The legislation would establish a fund, allocating $100 million for fiscal year 2023, $200 million for fiscal year 2024, $400 million for fiscal year 2025, $600 million for fiscal year 2026 and $700 million for fiscal year 2027 toward that effort, according to Brown’s office.
The secretary of Agriculture would be able to award these funds to those who make planting trees in low-income communities or those found to have a lower tree canopy in place.
Joel Pannell, the American Forests vice president of Urban Policy, said his organization is pleased to see an emphasis planting trees in urban areas to “equitably bring the benefit of trees to Americans.”
“Our nation’s historically-underserved communities are suffering most from the impacts of climate change and desperately need solutions that generate economic opportunity,” Pannell said. “Ameri
can Forests applauds Senator Brown for helping to bring climate, health, economic and tree equity to our cities and our neighborhoods by expanding our urban tree canopy.”
Brown said it is in urban neighborhoods — where most residents are people of color — that the disparity in tree plantings can be more easily seen. Urban neighborhoods have an average of 33 percent less tree canopy than majority-white neighborhoods, and neighborhoods where most residents are low-income have 41 percent less tree cover than communities with high-income residents.
“This legislation will fight these disparities and create more urban forests,” Brown said. “The cleaner air and lower utility bills that comes with trees shouldn’t be an asset just for the wealthy and the privileged. Every Ohio child should be able to know the joy of climbing a tree, or sitting in the shade with a good book.”