WASHINGTON – Today, American Forests announced that Senator Cory Booker has been recognized as the 2023 Tree Equity Champion Award recipient. 

Jad Daley and Joel Pannell give Senator Cory Booker the 2023 Tree Equity Champion Award.

Jad Daley and Joel Pannell presenting Senator Cory Booker with the Tree Equity Champion Award.

“Senator Cory Booker is a stalwart champion of climate equity, particularly in our cities, where the adverse effects of climate change are experienced disproportionately,” said Jad Daley, President and CEO of American Forests. “Senator Booker was instrumental in ensuring a historic $1.5 billion in funding for urban and community forestry was included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, making that bill the largest federal investment in nature-based climate solutions for cities ever.” 

“It’s an honor to receive this award from American Forests,” Senator Booker said. “Climate change is one of the biggest threats of our lifetime, and although the Inflation Reduction Act provided transformational funding for urban and community forestry, there is more work to do to make our communities greener and more equitable. I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden-Harris administration to expand green access and improve the health of our cities’ forests.” 

Each year, American Forests presents the Tree Equity Champion Award to leaders who help advance the health and restoration of America’s forests. Previous Tree Equity Champions include former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.