NYPA Press Release

In Celebration of Arbor Day, New York Power Authority Tree Power Program Begins Accepting Orders for Tree Plantings for Customers

Power Authority to Provide Two-to-One Tree Match for Plantings in Disadvantaged Communities

NYPA Supported Planting of More Than 1,400 Trees Across State in 2024

NYPA Supports Plantings 30 Trees at Massena Housing Authority in North Country

See Photos of Massena Tree Planting

MASSENA, N.Y.—Today, in celebration of Arbor Day, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced that it is accepting orders for tree plantings through its Tree Power program for eligible customers. The program, which increases building energy efficiency, reduces stormwater flooding, and provides habitat for native biodiversity, offers a one-for-one match for trees purchased through the program. To increase the number of trees in disadvantaged communities, NYPA will provide a two-for-one match for tree plantings at customer locations in those areas.

 “Green spaces are vital for New York communities, and by planting trees we can support the original carbon capture technology,” said New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “Beginning today, the Power Authority is accepting orders for 2025 under our Tree Power program, and we look forward to continuing the economic development, decarbonization and energy efficiency work with our customers across the state.”

For every tree that a customer purchases, NYPA will offer tree matches up to $5,000 in value. To support the biodiversity of New York State, the Power Authority has selected native tree varieties that benefit the region’s insects, birds and mammals. NYPA customers can work with their key account manager and the selected vendor to identify the species that are best suited for their planting zones. NYPA is accepting orders for the 2025 program through mid-September. 

In 2024, the Power Authority planted more than 1,400 trees in 50 communities throughout the state under the program. Since 2016, more than 8,000 trees have been planted under the program. The Power Authority’s Tree Power program also supports Governor Hochul’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033. 

Thirty Trees Planted at Massena Housing Authority   

Separately, volunteers from NYPA and the Massena Housing Authority (MHA) yesterday planted trees equipped with watering bags at the Housing Authority’s location at 20 Robinson Road. NYPA donated 30 trees to MHA, planted by volunteers from both organizations. The trees, including red maple, sugar maple, white oak and American elm, will enhance the curb appeal of the facility and increase native biodiversity.   

"NYPA’s donation of 30 trees to the Massena Housing Authority exemplifies the spirit of Arbor Day, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in enhancing our environment,” said NYPA Trustee and North Country resident Cecily Morris. “The newly planted red maple, sugar maple, white oak, and American elm trees will not only beautify the area but also foster native biodiversity for years to come." 

“Last year, the MHA had to cut down 30 trees, the majority of which were dead or dying,” said Massena Housing Authority Executive Director Mary S. Elman. “I heard from countless residents and community members who were dismayed to see these trees cut down. We are grateful to NYPA for their donation of 30 red maple, sugar maple, white oak, and American elm trees, enabling us to replace the trees that were removed.  These new, healthy trees will provide shade for our residents, shelter our buildings from harsh weather and beautify and enhance our community for years to come. We are equally grateful for the assistance of NYPA personnel in planting these trees and providing water bags to ensure their health.  The generosity and partnership that NYPA has provided the Massena Housing Authority over the years is invaluable to us as we work to provide decent, safe and affordable housing to our community.”

NYPA’s Tree Power program, first established in 1992, helps customers plant trees to provide wind breaks surrounding buildings, shading that reduces building energy use and removes carbon from the atmosphere. Since 2016, more than 8,000 trees have been planted under the program, sequestering more than 400 metric tons of carbon emissions.  

NYPA customers that are eligible to participate in the Tree Power program include municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and state and local government customers, including the State University of New York and the City University of New York. 

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NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr and LinkedIn.