Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma; appropriation

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cordell Cleare

The bill would create a DEC-led tree planting pilot in ten high-asthma ZIP codes, funded by an appropriation, to evaluate impacts on air quality and asthma health.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Summary of Bill S 7574

Overview

S 7574 would direct the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to design and carry out a tree planting pilot program in ten ZIP codes within the state that have the highest incidence of asthma. The bill also provides for an appropriation to fund the program. It was introduced on April 22, 2025 and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Purpose and Intent

The primary objective is to reduce asthma-related health disparities by expanding tree canopy in communities most affected by asthma.

The pilot aims to demonstrate whether increased urban forestry can contribute to improved air quality and related health outcomes in targeted areas.

Key Provisions (high level)

Direction to DEC: Develop and implement a tree planting pilot program.

Geographic focus: Target ten ZIP codes with the highest asthma incidence in the state.

Funding: The bill authorizes an appropriation to support the pilot program (specific dollar amounts are not provided in the summary available).

Program elements (likely components, though not detailed in the summary): planning, species selection, planting, maintenance, monitoring, and reporting to assess health and environmental impacts; data collection on asthma incidence and air quality; community engagement and partnerships with local stakeholders.

Oversight and reporting: Provisions typically include progress reporting to the Legislature, though exact reporting requirements are not specified in the provided information.

Affected Parties

Residents living in the ten targeted ZIP codes, particularly communities with elevated asthma rates.

DEC as implementing agency.

Local governments, community organizations, schools, and contractors involved in tree planting and maintenance.

Industries linked to urban forestry (nursery, landscaping, arboriculture sectors).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Referred to Senate Finance (a budget-related committee), indicating the bill is in the appropriations or fiscal review track.

Timeline: No specific implementation dates are provided. Being in Finance suggests fiscal analysis and potential amendments before floor action.

Related Legislation

S 8178 (prior-session): related Senate bill.

A 5614 (companion): Assembly companion measure.

Notes

The specifics of the pilot (e.g., number of trees per ZIP code, maintenance plan, metrics for success) are not detailed in the information available.

If enacted, the bill would likely proceed through budget negotiations and require formal appropriation language and program guidelines.