Washington, D.C. — In February of 2021, Senators and Congressmen wrote a letter to President Biden, asking for help with more funding and support with what they called the Civilian Climate Initiative. The initiative set out to help increase investments in wildfire resiliency by giving Americans jobs that would help boost rural economies.
The 21st Century Conservation Corps Act, was first introduced in 2020 to provide funds for resources in the event of a natural disaster or health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Rural communities are facing two big challenges: struggling economies and continued wildfire threats,” said Senator Wyden. “The bottom line, creating new jobs and supporting our public lands go hand in hand.”
Alongside Sen. Wyden, 50 other senators and congressmen from the US to show how this act can help their rural communities.
In the letter, they say the recent fires in the historic city of Lahaina are an example of how these communities can be better prepared for what can happen. Biden’s response?
The Biden Administration is moving forward with the act. The American Climate Corps. It’s set to train young people on clean energy, conservation and so much more.
Within its first year, it’s expected to create about 20,000 jobs according to the White House. The overall goal of the act is to ensure public lands are restored, energy efficient technologies are implemented, creating pathways to high-quality, good-paying, clean energy and climate resilience jobs are created with the right training for those employees.
This is all part of the Administration’s Jsutive40 goal. It’s meant to prioritize communities that are often left behind and the help. The plan also includes helping tribal, state, local governments, labor unions and nonprofit services across the country.
Following Biden’s announcement in September 2023, ten states will have officially been part of the Climate Corps since 2021.
The White House launched a new website to help those interested in joining the program.
Below you will find a breakdown from the White House on the American Climate Corps:
