MATSUI AND CITY OF SACRAMENTO ANNNOUNCE NEARLY $2 MILLION OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THE CITY’S URBAN FORESTRY EFFORTS

SACRAMENTO, CA- An infusion of nearly $2 million in federal funding is headed to the City of Sacramento thanks to two grants secured by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07). She announced the funding this morning at a press conference with leaders from the City, Sacramento City Unified School District, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation. The City also unveiled their draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan, which will be available for review and public comment starting April 26^th.

The event marked a continuation of Congresswoman Matsui's Climate Action Week in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day. The federal funding will support the City's efforts to expand our urban tree canopy to underserved communities.

This funding was made possible through two grants: $1,000,000 from the U.S. Forest Service's Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program, and $981,042 from the EPA's Environmental Justice Government-to-Government Grant Program. Congresswoman Matsui fought to greatly expand the Urban & Community Forestry Grant Program through the Inflation Reduction Act with over $1 billion in new funding.

"The Sacramento tree canopy is our pride and joy - yet it is not equitably distributed throughout our neighborhoods. That means that the effects of climate change and air pollution are not experienced in the same way across Sacramento's communities," said Congresswoman Matsui. "This partnership between the federal government and the City of Sacramento seeks to bridge that gap and build out a more equitable urban tree canopy for every neighborhood in our city. Urban forests are an integral part of the urban ecosystem. They play a key role in comprehensive climate solutions and addressing disproportionate air pollution in our frontline communities. That's why I have been such a strong advocate for our city staff, and our partners at SCUSD and the Sacramento Tree Foundation for their forward-thinkingapproach to bring resources, training, and sustainable programming where it is needed most."

"Sacramento is home to 1 million trees, but unfortunately there are disparities in tree coverage throughout the city," said Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg. "For many decades fewer trees were planted in economically disadvantaged communities. As the City of Trees, it is crucial that we extend our canopy to every corner of our city. Every resident and every neighborhood is important, and every neighborhood deserves shade and beauty."

"Sacramento has a long legacy as the City of Trees and there is work to do to make sure we stay that way, and to ensure we are the City of Trees in every neighborhood," said Rachel Patten, Sustainability Program Specialist, City of Sacramento. "The draft Sacramento Urban Forest Plan allows us to plan for the future by providing a long-term strategy for the protection and growth of trees, while the infusion of funding from these two federal grant programs allow us to also act now to grow tree canopy in the areas of the city where residents are most vulnerable to climate change, tree canopy is sparse, and temperatures are hottest."

"This investment helps us demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and is also a tangible way to teach our students about the importance of protecting the environment," said Superintendent Lisa Allen, Sacramento City Unified School District.

"Trees not only provide shade to cool our city's streets and homes while cleaning the air and reducing energy costs but most importantly, they make our communities livable and lovable," said Garrett Werner, Director of Education and Community Engagement, Sacramento Tree Foundation. "The community is at the heart of this work, and the Sacramento Tree Foundation is proud to be part of the effort and applauds Congresswoman Doris Matsui for her support and leadership."

The Sacramento Urban Forest Plan, a part of the City's broader climate action strategy, is the primary planning tool aimed at improving public health and increasing the city-wide canopy coverage from 19% to 35% by 2045. Priority will be given to neighborhoods with the lowest tree canopy levels, highest heat exposure, and greater socio-economic vulnerability.

The full plan is available HERE.

As Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC), Congresswoman Matsui is a leading national voice calling for the expansion of urban tree canopies to reduce the effects of climate change on underserved communities. She recently reintroduced the TREES Act, which would establish a 250-million-dollar grant program at the Department of Energy to support residential tree-planting efforts.

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