A resolution celebrating the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 187
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2643; text: CR S2669-2670)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-27T01:36:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 187) aims to honor the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day, a tradition started in 1872 to promote tree planting and environmental stewardship. It highlights the role of trees in communities, climate solutions, and sustainable forestry while encouraging public participation in related activities.
Key Provisions
- Recognizes April 25, 2025, as "National Arbor Day," observed annually on the last Friday in April.
- Celebrates the founding of Arbor Day on April 10, 1872, and its global observance in all 50 U.S. states and beyond.
- Emphasizes the benefits of Arbor Day, including promoting civic engagement, tree care, land stewardship for future generations, and sustainable forest management.
- Notes the contributions of working forests (less than 2% harvested yearly), private forests in species conservation, and wood as a renewable material for reducing carbon emissions in construction.
- Acknowledges the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program, which since 1976 has supported over 3,500 communities (home to 47% of Americans) in urban forestry efforts.
- Urges the U.S. people to join National Arbor Day activities to foster a greener future.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on longstanding traditions like National Arbor Day without altering any prior legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens and communities: Encourages voluntary tree-planting events and urban forestry initiatives, potentially increasing public awareness of environmental issues and community involvement, though effects are symbolic and depend on local participation.
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may inspire federal or state agencies (e.g., those involved in forestry or environmental protection) to promote similar activities, but imposes no requirements or funding obligations.
- On international relations: Indirectly supports global environmental goals by recognizing Arbor Day's worldwide observance, but has no formal diplomatic or policy implications.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. citizens and communities: Directly encouraged to participate, with benefits for urban and rural residents through improved green spaces and education on sustainability.
- Environmental organizations: Groups like the Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City USA program are highlighted, potentially gaining visibility and support for their conservation efforts.
- Forestry and private landowners: Emphasizes the role of working and private forests in climate resilience and species protection, affecting those in timber, conservation, and building industries.
- Local governments: Communities in the Tree City USA program may see reinforced commitment to urban forestry standards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no enforceable effect and requires no presidential approval; it is purely expressive.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize holidays and promote public welfare under Article I, without raising free speech, property, or other rights concerns.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties) for environmental stewardship, potentially signaling Senate endorsement of nature-based climate solutions without committing to new policies or spending.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2643; text: CR S2669-2670)
- 2025-04-29: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2643: 3; text: CR S2669-2670: 3)
- 2025-04-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Celebrating the 153rd anniversary of Arbor Day. — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (3 pages)