In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget released today, American Forests Policy and Partnerships Lead Becky Turner issued the following statement: 

With record-breaking heat across America in February, the Biden-Harris administration continues to recognize the ongoing threats of climate change and remains committed to equity- and climate-centered funding. As demonstrated by the funding levels of this year’s proposed budget, the administration continues to underscore the value of urban and community forestry and the nation’s forested landscapes alike. These policies not only protect the climate powerhouses that trees are – providing clean air and water, recreation, wildlife habitat and carbon storage – they save lives. Funding forests means job creation, often in historically disadvantaged communities, while also cooling our cities and preventing future catastrophic wildfires. The President’s budget once again reflects the administration’s commitment to a whole-of-government approach to forest-climate solutions, and American Forests urges Congress to incorporate these proposals into the appropriations process so that our forests can receive the support they need to thrive.