Federal money cut for New Orleans' tree canopy efforts

Axios

13-03-2025

A New Orleans nonprofit committed to planting trees around the city says it's running out of money after losing millions in federal support.
Why it matters: The reforestation effort is part of the city's multiyear strategy to improve storm-water management and help residents cope with extreme heat.
The big picture: Susannah Burley, the executive director of Sustaining Our Urban Landscape, says she isn't sure about the group's future after $3.5 million in federal funds directed to them was frozen or canceled.
The group originally had $1 million allocated through the Arbor Day Foundation.
But, the US Forest Service killed the program last month, saying it didn't align with the Trump administration's priorities, according to the AP. It would have funded $75 million in tree-plantings nationally.
Another $2.5 million from the Biden administration is in limbo too, Burley tells Axios.
Threat level: Burley told staff Wednesday that SOUL will likely run out of money in about two weeks unless there are donations.
Zoom out: The Trump administration is cutting costs and environmental justice efforts, like tree planting, are on the chopping block.
This week, the Environmental Protection Agency said it plans to close its offices responsible for addressing the "disproportionately high levels of pollution facing poor communities," the New York Times reports.
The EPA also says it will "end the use of 'environmental justice' as a tool for advancing ideological priorities," according to a press release about a recent "Cancer Alley" lawsuit.
The statement from the Justice Department deemed them "radical DEI programs."
What we're watching: The feds previously granted about $140 million to the city for programs that promote climate readiness and energy efficiency, writes Verite's Safura Syed.
Just last year, the EPA awarded the city about $50 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It's now unclear what will happen to the money or the city's Office of Resilience and Sustainability, which coordinates many of the efforts.
What's next: Residents can still plant trees on their own dime this spring. Here are some suggestions from the LSU Ag Center.
Go deeper
New Orleans grapples with shrinking tree canopy
New Orleans' heat island effect, mapped
The climate gains of urban trees