TREES Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3009
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T14:05:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Trees for Residential Energy and Economic Savings Act of 2025 (TREES Act of 2025) aims to create a federal grant program through the Department of Energy (DOE) to support tree-planting projects. These projects are designed to lower energy use in homes by providing natural shade in summer and wind protection in winter, ultimately reducing energy costs for households.
Key Provisions
- Program Setup: The DOE Secretary must establish the grant program within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The program will fund "covered projects," which are tree-planting efforts focused on cutting residential energy use.
- Consultation: The DOE will work with the Secretary of Agriculture, specifically the U.S. Forest Service, to run the program.
- Application Process: Eligible applicants must submit details including:
- How the project will reduce home energy use.
- Estimated energy savings.
- Total project costs and other funding sources.
- Plans for involving the community.
- Types of trees to be planted and their fit for the local climate and soil.
- Grant Priorities: Funding favors projects that:
- Target homes with high "energy burden" (the share of income spent on energy bills).
- Maximize shade during peak sun hours and windbreaks during strong winds.
- Are in areas with few existing trees.
- Serve neighborhoods with many seniors or children.
- Are in low-income areas (below regional median income).
- Involve community participation.
- Hire local workers, especially those who are unemployed or underemployed.
- Planting Goals: The program aims to plant at least 300,000 trees annually, depending on available funds.
- Funding Details: The federal government covers 90% of project costs. Up to $50 million is authorized each year from fiscal year 2026 through 2030.
- Eligible Expenses: Grants can cover planning, tree nurseries, buying trees, planting, up to 3 years of tree maintenance and monitoring, training, and other DOE-approved costs.
- Who Can Apply: States, local governments (like cities or counties that handle land use), Native American tribes, nonprofits (tax-exempt under IRS rules), and retail energy providers (companies that supply electricity, gas, or heating oil to homes).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new grant program under DOE authority, with no direct amendments to prior laws. It builds on existing environmental and energy initiatives by adding a specific focus on urban tree planting for energy efficiency, but it does not alter any current statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: DOE will manage grants, requiring new administrative resources and coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. Annual funding could total $250 million over five years, potentially straining budgets if appropriations fall short.
- Citizens: Homeowners, especially in low-income, high-energy-burden, or underserved areas, may see lower utility bills through reduced cooling and heating needs. Communities could gain greener spaces, improving quality of life and air quality.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though increased U.S. tree planting supports global climate goals like carbon reduction.
- Broader Effects: Could lead to environmental benefits, such as more biodiversity and cooler urban areas, while creating local jobs in planting and maintenance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible Entities: State and local governments, Native American tribes, nonprofits, and energy providers who can apply for and manage grants.
- Communities: Residents in priority areas, including low-income households, seniors, children, and neighborhoods with low tree cover, who benefit from energy savings and involvement.
- Workers: Local unemployed or underemployed individuals prioritized for jobs in tree planting and care.
- Federal Agencies: DOE (lead administrator) and U.S. Forest Service (consultant).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill promotes equity by targeting disadvantaged groups, aligning with federal goals for environmental justice (fair treatment in environmental policies). It defines terms clearly to avoid disputes and limits federal funding to 90% to encourage local investment.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it uses Congress's spending power to fund voluntary programs without mandating state actions.
- Political: Supports bipartisan environmental efforts (introduced by representatives from both parties) and could appeal to urban, rural, and tribal interests. It emphasizes community engagement, potentially reducing opposition by involving locals, but success depends on congressional appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-24: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-04-24: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-24: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Trees for Residential Energy and Economic Savings Act of 2025 — issued 2025-04-24 — PDF (6 pages)