The Trump administration has terminated funding for a $75 million national tree-planting initiative aimed at improving community resilience to climate change. Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the program was intended to plant shade trees in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Citing a misalignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities, the U.S. Forest Service justified the cancellation. Arbor Day Foundation's Executive Director expressed disappointment, noting the program’s potential for economic and environmental benefits, particularly in areas like the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans, which suffers from severe heat and lacks sufficient greenery.
This was hugely disappointing. It was an exciting opportunity for us to work with organizations and communities all across the country to plant trees in communities, to create jobs, to create economic benefits, to create conservation benefits, to help create cooler, safer, and healthier communities.
In the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, there’s hardly any tree shade to provide relief from the extreme heat; it’s a serious concern for community health.
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