Metro will Develop First Tree Policy

Every tree cut down during Metro construction will be replaced by at least two new trees.

Los Angeles, CA – During Thursday’s regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the 13-member Board unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn that instructs the agency, responsible for bus and rail services and major highway and rail transit construction projects across the County, to develop a policy to protect existing trees and plant more trees as it develops its transportation projects.

“Our communities are facing increasing average temperatures, more air pollution, and other serious environmental challenges.  A Metro Tree Policy will mean cleaner air, more shade for pedestrians and cyclists and people taking transit, and more walkable, livable, and beautiful neighborhoods,” said Supervisor Hahn, who serves as member of the Metro Board.

Trees provide multiple far-reaching benefits, cooling streets by between two and four degrees Fahrenheit and improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff.

“Neighborhoods that lack green infrastructure are more often lower-income and communities of color, with higher transit ridership,” added Supervisor Hahn. “Those communities stand to benefit the most from this policy. I’m thankful to my colleagues for their support and look forward to delivering cleaner, healthier air for the residents of LA County.”

The motion instructs Metro to present a plan by August 2022 for the Board’s approval. The motion was co-authored by LA County Supervisors Solis and Mitchell, and Metro Board Directors Dutra, Bonin, and Krekorian.