The Long Bridge Project Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 amends the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 to establish specific conditions under which the Mayor must issue a permit for the removal of a Heritage Tree located near or within the Long Bridge Project site. The new legal language stipulates that a permit can be granted only if there are no reasonable design alternatives to avoid the tree's location, if the Urban Forestry Division determines that the tree cannot be protected in place, and if the applicant demonstrates that either the cost of relocating the tree exceeds $1 million or that relocation would impose an undue burden on the public. Additionally, the applicant must agree to pay $1,200 for each inch of the tree's circumference.

This emergency legislation is intended to ensure that the removal of Heritage Trees is carefully considered and justified, balancing the needs of the Long Bridge Project with the preservation of significant trees. The act will take effect upon approval by the Mayor and will remain in effect for a maximum of 90 days, in accordance with the emergency provisions of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.