A resolution celebrating the 154th anniversary of Arbor Day.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 719
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2160; text: CR S2180)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-02T19:21:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 719) celebrates the 154th anniversary of Arbor Day, first founded on April 10, 1872, to highlight the importance of planting and caring for trees. It emphasizes trees' role in community greening, environmental stewardship, sustainable forestry, climate change mitigation, and urban forestry.
Key Provisions
- Recognizes April 24, 2026, as "Arbor Day" (observed annually on the last Friday in April).
- Celebrates the 154th anniversary of Arbor Day.
- Supports the goals and ideals of Arbor Day, including civic participation, tree planting, forest management, and education on land stewardship.
- Encourages people across the United States to join Arbor Day activities.
The resolution includes numerous "Whereas" clauses detailing Arbor Day's history, global observance, benefits of working forests (e.g., carbon sequestration, sustainable harvesting), the role of private forests in conservation, wood as a renewable building material, and programs like Tree City USA (involving over 3,500 communities and 47% of U.S. residents).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect on statutes, regulations, or policies. It expresses the Senate's sense but does not amend or create law.
Potential Impacts
- Minimal and symbolic: Raises public awareness about tree planting and forest conservation; may inspire voluntary community events but imposes no requirements.
- No direct effects on government agencies (beyond Senate endorsement), citizens (voluntary participation encouraged), or international relations (though notes global observance).
- Indirectly promotes sustainable practices that could support environmental goals like carbon storage and urban greening.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Citizens and communities: Encouraged to participate in tree-planting and forestry activities.
- Arbor Day Foundation and Tree City USA program: Highlighted for their urban forestry efforts.
- Forestry and environmental groups: Benefits from recognition of working forests, private conservation, and wood use in construction.
- Senators: Introduced by Mr. Risch (and cosponsors Mr. King, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Crapo, and Ms. Smith), showing bipartisan support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine congressional expressions without enforceability or constitutional impact.
- Political: Demonstrates Senate consensus on environmental stewardship, forestry sustainability, and civic engagement; passed unanimously ("Agreed to Senate") on April 30, 2026, signaling broad support for non-controversial green initiatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2160; text: CR S2180)
- 2026-04-30: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Celebrating the 154th anniversary of Arbor Day. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)