Home / Environment / NY Plants Record 1,650 Trees for Greener Future
NY Plants Record 1,650 Trees for Greener Future
1 Dec
Summary
- NYPA's Tree Power program delivered 1,650 trees, the largest distribution ever.
- The program prioritizes planting in disadvantaged communities for greater equity.
- Trees planted provide energy efficiency, improved air quality, and biodiversity.
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has initiated its largest-ever tree distribution, delivering 1,650 trees to nearly 50 low-cost energy customers across the state. This expansion of the Tree Power program, which began in the late 1990s, directly supports Governor Kathy Hochul's ambitious goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, enhancing New York's environmental health and resilience.
The program specifically incentivized plantings in disadvantaged communities, offering a two-for-one match for trees planted in these areas to promote equitable tree canopy expansion. This focus ensures that underserved communities benefit from improved air quality, enhanced outdoor recreation, and increased beautification. Municipalities, state agencies, and other eligible entities ordered trees earlier this year, with many receiving over 900 trees through the matching incentive.
Beyond aesthetic improvements, the trees provide significant environmental and economic advantages. They contribute to improved building energy efficiency by offering shade and windbreaks, support native biodiversity, and mitigate stormwater flooding. Since 2016, the program has facilitated the planting of over 9,700 trees, sequestering substantial carbon emissions and yielding millions in quality of life and energy benefits.
