Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026

Overview

The Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026 amends existing forestry law to create a federal fund that provides grants to states, tribes, and local governments for tree planting and maintenance programs. The bill prioritizes assistance for low-income communities and communities of color that historically have less tree coverage.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Neighborhood Tree Fund to provide grants for community tree planting and maintenance
• Prioritizes funding for low-income areas and historically redlined neighborhoods with less tree coverage
• Authorizes $2 billion in funding over five years (2025-2029)
• Requires tree canopy assessments and community engagement for grant recipients
• Adds urban forestry experts from small towns and low-income communities to advisory committee

Potential Impact

If enacted, this legislation could significantly increase tree coverage in underserved communities, potentially reducing urban heat effects and improving air quality. The funding would address documented disparities in tree canopy coverage between different racial and economic communities.