On Arbor Day, New York Power Authority Tree Power Program Begins Accepting Orders for Tree Plantings for Government Customers

For Immediate Release: 04/28/23

Contact: Media Inquiries | media.inquiries@nypa.gov | (518) 860-9935

 

On Arbor Day, New York Power Authority Tree Power Program Begins Accepting Orders for Tree Plantings for Government Customers

 

NYPA Supported Planting of More Than 1,100 Trees in 2022

 

Power Authority to Donate 100 Trees to East Buffalo Communities

 

Pictures of a 2022 Tree Planting for Battery Park City Authority Here

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—In celebration of Arbor Day, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) today announced that it is accepting orders for tree plantings for government customers through its Tree Power program. The program provides a one-to-one match for tree plantings at customer locations to increase native biodiversity and natural carbon storage. The program expands on the Authority’s ongoing environmental stewardship practices by strategically planting native trees at Power Authority customer locations throughout the state. In 2022, the Power Authority planted trees in more than 40 communities through its Tree Power program, supporting the planting of more than 1,100 trees across New York and sequestering more than 100 tons of carbon emissions. Since 2016, nearly 5,200 trees have been planted through the program.

 

“The New York Power Authority is proud to administer the Tree Power program to assist its customers in advancing their sustainability goals,” said New York Power Authority Acting President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “The Tree Power program has planted more than 5,000 trees since 2016. This year, the Power Authority is donating 100 trees for planting in communities throughout East Buffalo to help create a cleaner, greener living space.”

 

In accordance with NYPA’s Sustainability program goals and in line with New York’s Climate Act and NYPA’s Environmental Justice program’s objectives, Tree Power prioritizes donating and maintaining trees in disadvantaged communities across New York State. This year, NYPA is partnering with Re-Tree WNY and the Tool Library to plant 100 trees in parks and along streets throughout East Buffalo. Additionally, NYPA business customers participating in the Tree Power program can donate trees at eligible locations.

 

For every tree that a customer purchases to plant, NYPA will offer a one-to-one tree match up to $5,000 in value. To support the biodiversity of New York State, The Power Authority’s Sustainability department has selected native tree varieties that benefit the region’s insects, birds, and mammals, while also storing carbon. Customers can work with the selected vendor to identify the species that are best suited for their planting zones. NYPA is accepting orders for the 2023 program through mid-September. Trees will be delivered to participating customers in the fall.

 

A 2022 and 2021 Tree Power program participant, Battery Park City Authority (BPCA), shared the following sentiment about the program:

 

“NYPA’s Tree Power program helps us maintain a beautiful tree canopy for Battery Park City while advancing our sustainability goals,” said BPCA President & CEO B.J. Jones. “Our partnership with NYPA exemplifies New York State’s environmental leadership, and we look forward to continuing it for years to come.”

 

NYPA’s Tree Power program, first established in 1991, helped customers plant trees to provide wind breaks and shading, which in turn reduced building energy use. Last year, on Arbor Day, NYPA announced the launch of the expanded Tree Power 2.0. This year, Tree Power will offer 23 native varieties to an expanded customer base at more eligible locations. Eligible NYPA customers include municipal electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, New York City and Westchester County governmental customers and BuildSmart NY 2025 customers—which includes all New York State agencies, and SUNY and CUNY institutions.

 

For more information about NYPA’s Tree Power program, contact Cari Ficken or program staff via email at treepower@nypa.gov.

 

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About NYPA

NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 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.