The massive measure offers a five-fold increase in funding tree planting nationwide, especially in low-income communities that are typically hotter in summers.
With a recent study predicting that more of the nation will be suffering through 100-degree days 30 years from now, the Biden administration is giving a major boost to cities trying to deal with the extreme heat ahead by planting more trees and creating more shade.
Included in the Inflation Reduction Act President Biden signed into law last week are $1.5 billion in grants the federal government will be sending to states, local governments and nonprofits over the next decade to plant trees.
Working out to an average of $150 million a year, Biden’s climate, health-care and taxes measure will mean a five-fold increase for the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Urban and Community Forestry Program over the $32 million the program is receiving this fiscal year.
Route Fifty
By Kery Murakami
AUGUST 26, 2022