Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB879

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/26
• Refer: 1/16/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to renumber and amend 23.097 (1); to amend 23.097 (1g) and 23.097 (1r); to create 23.097 (1) (b) and 23.097 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: grants for planting trees to address urban heat islands, eligible recipients for urban forestry grants, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The bill increases funding for the urban forestry grant program by $500,000 for the fiscal year 2025-26, which will allow for more extensive projects aimed at tree planting and maintenance. These projects are intended to reduce the negative effects of urban heat islands, which can contribute to higher energy usage and increased health risks for residents. The DNR will also have the authority to create emergency rules for administering this grant program, enabling quicker response times to funding applications and project implementation.

Summary

Assembly Bill 879 proposes to enhance the state's efforts to combat urban heat islands by expanding the urban forestry grant program. This bill specifically authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to award grants of up to $100,000 to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized American Indian tribes for projects aimed at planting trees in urban areas. The bill defines urban heat islands as metropolitan areas significantly warmer than their surrounding natural landscapes, effectively highlighting the need for intervention to mitigate heat absorption and its adverse effects on urban living conditions.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for its environmental benefits, there may be discussions around the allocation of funds and whether the grants will be effective in achieving the desired outcomes. Some legislators may question the feasibility of the proposed funding and the effectiveness of the grants in truly reducing urban heat effect. Additionally, the legislative approach of exempting the DNR from standard emergency rule procedures could raise concerns regarding oversight and accountability in how these grants are administered.