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Trees play such a critical role in our urban neighborhoods, from reducing pollution and providing shade to curbing stormwater runoff and adding beauty that increases property values.
Of course, electric utilities must sometimes trim or even remove trees when vegetation threatens power lines. But given how important trees are to quality of life, we need to ensure that power companies do so in the community’s best interests.
To accomplish that, I will soon be introducing legislation that would allow municipalities to work with electric utilities to ensure proper vegetation management. In addition, my bill would require a utility that removes a tree to plant a new one, within two years, in a location of the municipality's choice. I’m currently gathering co-sponsors for the bill and will keep you posted on its progress.
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