In a landmark move aimed at addressing the climate crisis and bolstering environmental resilience, President Biden announced the launch of the American Climate Corps today. This ambitious initiative, unveiled as part of the Investing in America agenda, is set to provide training and service opportunities to over 20,000 young individuals, equipping them with the skills needed for careers in clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience.
Key highlights of the American Climate Corps initiative include:
- Career Pathways in Clean Energy and Conservation: The American Climate Corps, operating under the Investing in America agenda, will place over 20,000 young individuals on career pathways in fields vital to combat climate change, including clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience.
- Historic Climate and Environmental Agenda: President Biden’s administration has already made history with the largest-ever investment in climate action, protecting vast public lands and water areas, and advancing the Justice40 Initiative. The American Climate Corps builds on this legacy.
- Equity and Environmental Justice Focus: The program places a strong emphasis on equity and environmental justice, prioritizing communities historically underserved and disadvantaged. It also aligns with the Justice40 goal, aiming to direct benefits to those in need.
- Collaboration Across Sectors: President Biden calls on various stakeholders, including Tribal, State, and local governments, labor unions, nonprofits, the private sector, and philanthropy, to collaborate with the Federal government in expanding skills-based training partnerships.
- State-Based Initiatives: Five new states, including Arizona, Utah, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Maryland, are launching their own Climate Corps programs, working in collaboration with AmeriCorps to create more opportunities for young people.
- Access to Education Awards: President Biden encourages expanding access to Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for American Climate Corps members, helping them pay for post-secondary education or reduce student debt.
- Streamlined Pathways into Civil Service: The Office of Personnel Management is proposing a rule to streamline pathways into federal service for programs like the American Climate Corps.
- Investment in Pre-Apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships: The Department of Labor and the Department of Energy are investing in pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in clean energy and climate-focused careers.
- Forest Corps and Wildfire Prevention: AmeriCorps and the U.S. Forest Service are launching Forest Corps, engaging young adults in wildfire prevention and reforestation efforts.
- Expanding the Indian Youth Service Corps: The Department of the Interior is committing $15 million to expand the Indian Youth Service Corps and similar programs supporting conservation and climate stewardship.
The American Climate Corps represents a pivotal step towards addressing climate change, creating jobs, and promoting environmental justice. It underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to building a sustainable future for all Americans.
This groundbreaking initiative builds upon significant investments by the Biden-Harris Administration, including support for pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships in clean energy and climate-focused careers. It also includes efforts to expand national service opportunities to address the wildfire crisis and support underserved communities through programs like the Indian Youth Service Corps.
For more information and to express interest in joining or supporting the American Climate Corps, visit the new website at www.whitehouse.gov/climatecorps.
President Biden’s commitment to training a new generation of clean energy and climate resilience workers demonstrates a decisive step towards achieving environmental sustainability and combating climate change on a national scale.
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