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H.R. 4212: Saving Hazardous And Declining Environments Act

This bill, known as the Saving Hazardous And Declining Environments Act, or SHADE Act, aims to create a grant program designed to fund the planting of trees in specific areas that have been identified as environmentally hazardous or in decline. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of a Grant Program

The bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, working with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a grant program within 180 days of funding being allocated. This program will award grants to eligible entities that intend to plant qualifying trees in designated eligible areas.

Funding Notification

The Secretary must publish a notice of funding availability for this grant program within the same 180-day period following the bill’s passage.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible Entities

Entities that can apply for this grant include:

State, Territory, or Tribal agencies
Local government entities
Indian Tribes
Nonprofit organizations collaborating with the above-mentioned entities

Application Requirements

Entities seeking grant funding must submit an application that includes:

A detailed 5-year timeline and budget for planting and maintaining the trees
A public participation plan to encourage local community involvement in the decision-making process, which may encompass opportunities for local nonprofits to engage, public input, and demonstration of community support.

Grant Selection Criteria

When awarding grants, priority will be given to those entities with housing policies aimed at minimizing displacement of existing residents within the project area.

Use of Grant Funds

Funds received from the grants must be used for:

Implementing the tree planting project, which includes planning, site preparation, and labor costs
Maintenance and monitoring of the trees for up to 5 years
Training activities related to the project
Other relevant costs as defined by the Secretary.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes appropriations of $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2036 to fund this program.

Definitions

Key definitions provided in the bill include:

Eligible Area: Areas identified as redlined or those affected by the urban heat island effect.
Qualifying Tree: A non-invasive tree species that is not currently under threat from invasive species in the area where it is planted.
Redlined Area: Census tracts designated as hazardous or declining by historic mapping efforts.

Implementation Timeline

The implementation of the grant program is contingent upon the appropriation of funds, which the Secretary is tasked to manage and oversee.

Community Engagement

The bill emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in discussions about the projects funded by these grants, promoting transparency and community-driven decision-making.

Objectives

The primary goal of this legislation is to improve environmental conditions in specified areas through tree planting, which can also help address urban heat effects and promote ecological stability.