Dead Trees

According to the AP, Trump is killing trees, or something:

Their headline blares: “$75 Million was awarded to plant trees in places that badly need them. In anti-DEI push, that’s over.” Those efforts will be set back by the U.S. Forest Service’s decision in mid-February to terminate a $75 million grant to the Arbor Day Foundation, which was working to plant trees in neighborhoods that might not otherwise be able to afford them. The program is the latest victim of a drive by President Donald Trump’s administration against environmental justice initiatives. AP’s photographer took loads of photos in the 9th Ward of New Orleans. Unhappy people next to trees and “bald” seedlings. I’m guessing but AP is suggesting that in two weeks, those seedlings were killed by Trump’s cuts? The benefits of trees are vast. They capture stormwater and replenish groundwater. They help clean the air in polluted areas, improve mental health, and cool air and surfaces of the built environment, especially during heat waves that are growing more intense and frequent with climate change. AP hit every “dead puppy” talking point with words and photos. Poor blacks are losing their trees. Trump is cutting “Environmental Justice.” Trump is cutting “diversity, equity and inclusion.” AP adds that climate change is growing. People will die. Trees will die. Puppies too, I think. Why haven’t New Orleans and the state taken the laboring oar on replanting trees? Why is this considered a “DEI” issue? Why are Google Maps photos loaded with photos of trees? Why is the federal government the only source of money to plant and water trees? So many questions.

Save the trees yourselves, defenders of the green...