About The New York TREES Act
Right now, you can help protect tropical forests and biodiversity. You can help New York State’s small businesses.
And you can do your part in the fight against climate change.
Let’s pass the New York TREES Act.
Tropical rainforests help reduce carbon emissions and global warming. But global corporations are illegally chopping them down to make more room for industrial agriculture. 9 million acres of rainforest were lost last year. And when they’re gone, they’re gone forever.
But you can help save them. Passing the Tropical Rainforest Economic & Environmental Sustainability (TREES) Act is something New Yorkers can do right now to help fight climate change, and preserve a livable world for future generations. And you can help make it happen.
With the TREES Act, we can curtail deforestation, create opportunities for local businesses, and it won’t even cost consumers a dime. That’s a win-win-win.
Passing the TREES Act will stop New York from buying forest-destroying products.
- Every year, New York State spends millions of taxpayer dollars buying forest-destroying products like beef, soy, and lumber that were grown, raised, or built on former tropical forest land. Your tax money encourages deforestation and makes the global climate crisis worse.
- The Tropical Rainforest Economic & Environmental Sustainability (TREES) Act will end that, by making sure New York State public funds are no longer spent in ways that contribute to tropical deforestation. It will help companies verify and certify that their products are forest-safe. And it will give New York State’s own agricultural businesses an advantage in state contracting.
- New York has the 10th largest economy in the world, a state government with significant purchasing power, and a high profile nationally and globally. We can and should be leading other states – while also making sure we stay competitive globally.
How You Can Help Today
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POLITICO: Hochul’s Turn On Trees
The state Senate passed a bill today that would require businesses selling goods to the Empire State to prove that they don’t illegally contribute to tropical deforestation, teeing the legislation up for a possible second veto from Hochul.
Syracuse.com: On Arbor Day, NY needs more from Gov. Kathy Hochul than a green promise (Your Letters)
For Arbor Day, Environmental Advocates of New York Exec Director Vanessa Fajans-Turner calls on Governor Hochul to sign the TREES Act.
New York’s procurement system need not add to forest destruction
Deforestation-free purchasing bill aligns with New York's climate goals and our commitment to human rights.
Times Union: New York’s procurement system need not add to forest destruction
Deforestation-free purchasing bill aligns with New York's climate goals and our commitment to human rights.
Politico Pro: New York state senator revises bill aimed at curbing tropical deforestation
Gov. Kathy Hochul last year vetoed an earlier version of the legislation that would bar state purchases of goods linked to deforestation.
RELEASE: Krueger, Zebrowski To Introduce Amended Tropical Deforestation Legislation
"As I said when the Governor vetoed this bill in December, this is not some esoteric issue for tree-huggers – the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis threaten the very survival of human civilization," said Sen. Krueger. "That is why we will be reintroducing the bill. We have addressed the Governor's concerns as they were expressed to us, and we are confident that the TREES Act can not only be successfully implemented, but will enhance New York's global role as an environmental leader. I look forward to sending it back to the Governor's desk as soon as possible."
Everyone wins on ‘birds and bees’ deal
An agreement wasn’t reached on a bill aimed at stopping state procurements from supporting any tropical deforestation, which was vetoed after legislative sponsors refused to agree to major changes backed by Hochul.
City and State: New York environmental bills attract support from Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo
Two bills awaiting the governor’s signature would prevent New York from contracting with companies that contribute to deforestation and reduce neonic pesticide use.
Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio joins push for deforestation bill
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio took to Instagram urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a bill aimed at limiting the state's impact on climate change.