The Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026 is a proposed law aimed at increasing the planting and maintenance of trees in urban areas, especially in underserved and economically challenged communities. It seeks to amend the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 by establishing a Neighborhood Tree Fund, which would provide financial assistance to states, tribes, and local entities for community tree projects. The bill emphasizes community engagement, prioritizes projects in high-poverty areas, and plans to allocate increasing funds annually, starting with $100 million in fiscal year 2025 and reaching $700 million by fiscal year 2029. Additionally, it proposes changes to the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council to include representatives from smaller and low-income communities.
Supporters of the Neighborhood Tree Act highlight its potential to improve urban environments by enhancing air quality, reducing heat island effects, and promoting public health. They emphasize the bill's focus on addressing disparities in urban tree canopy distribution, particularly in communities of color and low-income areas, and its commitment to substantial funding for urban forestry initiatives. The act is seen as a significant step toward environmental justice and community well-being.
Critics of the Neighborhood Tree Act express concerns about the substantial federal expenditure required, questioning the allocation of up to $2 billion for urban tree-planting programs. They argue that such funds could be better utilized for other pressing needs and raise doubts about the effectiveness of the proposed initiatives in achieving the desired environmental and social outcomes. Additionally, some question the federal government's role in local urban forestry efforts, suggesting that these initiatives might be more appropriately managed at the state or local level.
The Neighborhood Tree Act of 2026, sponsored by Shontel Brown, does not appear to present any direct conflicts of interest based on the campaign finance data available. Brown's top donor industries include Health Professionals, Retired, Securities & Investment, and Government, none of which directly overlap with the subject matter of the bill. The total amount contributed by these industries is $3,750,000,000. Lobbying activity in the bill's policy area is present, with the most significant disclosed amount coming from InterDigital, Inc. at $551,628. However, there is no evidence to suggest that these lobbying activities are directly linked to Brown's campaign finances or present a conflict of interest.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| INTERDIGITAL, INC. | INTERDIGITAL, INC. | $551,628 |
| NATIONAL BEER WHOLESALERS ASSOCIATION | EB CONSULTING | $32,000 |
| DONA ANA COUNTY | CAPGOV, LLC | $24,000 |
| SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY | CAPGOV, LLC | $20,000 |
| UTAH LAKE AUTHORITY | CAPGOV, LLC | $20,000 |
| LINCOLN COUNTY, NEW MEXICO | CAPGOV, LLC | $20,000 |
| ELINOR COATINGS LLC | CAPGOV, LLC | $20,000 |
| ALTO LAKES WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT | CAPGOV, LLC | $15,000 |
| THE FERGUSON GROUP, LLC ON BEHALF OF WARD & SMITH, PA (FOR TISPC, NC) | STEPHANIE MISSERT | undisclosed |
| THE FERGUSON GROUP, LLC ON BEHALF OF WARD & SMITH, PA (FOR BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC) | STEPHANIE MISSERT | undisclosed |
| THE FERGUSON GROUP, LLC ON BEHALF OF WARD & SMITH, PA (FOR HOLDEN BEACH, NC) | STEPHANIE MISSERT | undisclosed |
| NETWORK | NETWORK LOBBY FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE | undisclosed |
| NETWORK | NETWORK LOBBY FOR CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE | undisclosed |
| NEW MEXICO HIGHLANDS UNIVERSITY | CAPGOV, LLC | undisclosed |
| ENCHANTED FOREST MUTUAL DOMESTIC WATER ASSOCIATION | CAPGOV, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Shontel Brown, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
