USDA grants $1 billion across the country to plant trees in hopes of reducing extreme heat

$1 Billion Federal Boost to Plant Trees in Communities Across the U.S.

In a bid to tackle extreme heat, promote health, and enhance access to nature, hundreds of communities across the United States are set to receive a whopping $1.13 billion in federal funding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is spearheading this initiative, with Secretary Tom Vilsack making the grand announcement during a Thursday morning event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

The primary objective of this substantial investment is to bolster tree planting and maintenance efforts in underserved areas spanning all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and select tribal nations. Vilsack, in a preview of the announcement, emphasized the ambition to fortify communities against climate impacts while curbing extreme heat in various urban areas.

Spreading the Green Touch Nationwide

The city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, takes the center stage in this initiative. Devastated by a fierce windstorm known as a derecho in the summer of 2020, which saw the loss of thousands of trees, Cedar Rapids has since prioritized the restoration of its tree canopy. The city will now receive $6 million in funding, marking a significant step towards its rejuvenation.

Notably, the grant recipients represent a diverse spectrum of locales, from the sprawling metropolises of New York, Houston, and Los Angeles to smaller communities like Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Hutchinson, Kansas.

Ensuring Equal Access to Nature

Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, will stand alongside Secretary Vilsack in Iowa. She articulated the importance of extending access to nature to all communities, particularly those historically underserved. The tree grants, according to Mallory, will have a positive impact on marginalized and underrepresented communities, ultimately increasing climate resilience, reducing extreme heat, and enhancing livability.

In essence, this substantial federal funding, derived from the Inflation Reduction Act, signals a major step forward in the nationwide effort to create healthier, greener, and more resilient communities. Everyone deserves the benefits of nature, and this initiative is a significant stride towards achieving that goal.