On July 15, 2025, Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Mike Lawler (R-NY) introduced the bipartisan Cool Corridors Act to address the growing threat of extreme heat. The bill reauthorizes and expands the Healthy Streets Program to fund tree canopy and shade infrastructure along sidewalks, transit corridors and other high-use pedestrian areas. In response, American Forests issued the following statement:
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 15, 2025) — American Forests proudly supports the introduction of the Cool Corridors Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill led by Representatives Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and Mike Lawler (R-NY). The bill reauthorizes and expands the Healthy Streets Program—originally passed in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—to fund critical shade infrastructure along transit corridors, sidewalks, and other high-use pedestrian areas.
As extreme heat becomes the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, claiming an estimated 12,000 lives annually, the Cool Corridors Act represents a vital step forward in protecting public health, strengthening community resilience and improving urban quality of life. American Forests’ Tree Equity Score analysis shows that more than 70% of high-need neighborhoods—often lower-income and with limited resources—lack sufficient tree canopy. In many cities, these areas can be up to 7°F hotter than greener neighborhoods, underscoring the need for targeted investment in shade infrastructure to protect those most affected by rising temperatures.
“Extreme heat is now the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., and it’s only getting worse,” said Joel Pannell, Vice President of Urban Policy at American Forests. “Trees are one of our most effective defenses—especially in the places where people are most exposed, like sidewalks, transit corridors, and bus stops. The Cool Corridors Act delivers smart, science-based investments in shade where people need it most. It’s a practical, proven way to protect public health and make our cities more livable. Led by Representative Strickland as well as Representatives Lawler and Stanton—co-founders of Congress’s first-ever Extreme Heat Caucus—this is bipartisan leadership turning down the temperature on extreme heat. We thank them for the coolest legislation of the summer and for championing lifesaving, locally driven solutions that communities urgently need.”
Through the Cool Corridors Act, local governments, transit agencies, nonprofits and other eligible entities will have access to grants for planning, designing, and constructing tree canopy and green infrastructure projects. The bill also supports community engagement and workforce development related to heat mitigation, while helping protect and maintain existing roadside tree cover.
American Forests applauds Reps. Strickland and Lawler for their leadership and urges Congress to swiftly advance this timely and essential legislation.
###