TREES Act of 2025

This bill would set up a federal grant program to help communities plant trees to lower energy use at home. The Department of Energy would run it, working with the Forest Service, and must start the program within 90 days after it becomes law. The program aims to plant at least 300,000 trees each year, with federal funds covering 90% of project costs.

To get a grant, applicants must show how their project will cut home energy use, estimate the savings, outline costs and other funding, involve the community, and choose tree species that fit the local area. Projects that get priority are those that help families with high energy bills, add shade during the hottest times and wind protection during the windiest times, bring trees to areas with low tree cover, serve neighborhoods with many seniors or children, are in lower‑income areas, involve local residents, and hire local unemployed or underemployed workers. The bill authorizes $50 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 to fund these grants.

Key points

• Who is affected: Households facing high energy bills; neighborhoods with few trees; areas with many seniors or children; local workers who may be hired for projects.
• What changes: New DOE grants for tree‑planting projects; goal of 300,000 trees per year; federal funds cover 90% of project costs; $50 million per year in funding.
• When: Program begins within 90 days of becoming law; funding runs from fiscal year 2026 through 2030 .