Federal money cut for New Orleans' tree canopy efforts
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
/2025/03/12/1741808127976.gif)
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.