NEWS RELEASE 

September 14, 2023 

Contact: 

Austin Matheny-Kawesch, 858-395-5577, amatheny@edf.org 

Biden Admin Announces $1B in Urban Forestry Grants 

Statement from Defend Our Future director Kyli Wagner 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA today announced $1 billion in urban forestry grants to nearly 400 community groups across the U.S. This Inflation Reduction Act funding will bring more trees, and the benefits they provide, to communities that are hit first and worst by the climate crisis. 

“Trees and green spaces help make the places we live, work and play happier and safer by lowering temperatures, reducing climate pollution and improving air quality,” said Defend Our Future director Kyli Wagner. “Everyone, for generations to come, should have access to these spaces. Where you live largely determines your health, and these grants will help ensure that every community, especially historically marginalized cities and neighborhoods, will have access to green spaces and trees.”