Forestry Programs See Major Boost in Build Back Better Framework

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- President Biden and House Democrats have unveiled the framework for the Build Back Better Act, including the biggest investments in climate initiatives in American history. The package includes $27 billion to restore forests, fight wildfires, and sequester carbon through nationwide tree-planting and critical Old-Growth protection programs, among other major green space investments. Trees and healthy forests are essential resources in taking on the climate crisis, and these investments will be a major advancement in that effort.

In response, Kirin Kennedy, Director for People and Nature Policy at Sierra Club, released the following statement:

“From their carbon-sequestering abilities to regulating temperatures to purifying city air, trees are critical for keeping our cities healthy and are one of our greatest resources in the struggle against the climate crisis. 

“The investments laid out in this framework are a transformational investment that will help us build up the green infrastructure we need to take on the climate crisis and ensure that all communities can reap the benefits of ample and equitable tree coverage.”

WHAT THIS FRAMEWORK MEANS:

• $27 billion to restore forests, fight wildfires and sequester carbon in trees. Taken together, this is the biggest investment ever made in forest restoration, wildfire prevention, and climate-smart forestry.

• Investments in forest health projects, including equipping firefighters and rural communities to be more resilient to wildfires.

• Investments in climate-smart forestry to improve essential carbon sequestration.

• Support for planting trees in urban communities, closing the nature gap and ensuring all communities have equitable tree coverage.