President Biden has officially announced the American Climate Corps, a program that aims to mobilize tens of thousands of Americans for conservation and eco-friendly projects across the nation. This initiative was launched on Earth Day as part of broader actions to commemorate the occasion. The White House also highlighted recent regulations protecting federal land from future oil drilling and unveiled $7 billion in grants for state-level solar projects. The American Climate Corps is considered as the most ambitious land and water conservation agenda in American history.
The American Climate Corps will consist of 20,000 Americans who will work in roles focused on combating climate change, conservation, green energy, and environmental justice. These positions do not require previous experience and are designed to provide opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to gain skills needed for the clean energy economy of the future. A new website was launched for interested workers to apply for the various roles, which will be located across 36 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The first class of the American Climate Corps is expected to be deployed in June 2024.
President Biden initiated the government work program in September after facing pressure from progressive and environmental groups, including Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who had called for such action. The White House held listening sessions with these lawmakers to gather feedback from Americans interested in the program. However, the initiative has faced criticism from Republicans who argue that congressional action is necessary to move forward with it. Rep. James Comer and Rep. Pete Sessions have expressed concerns about the funding of the program and are leading an oversight investigation into it.
The White House sees tackling climate change as urgent not only due to environmental concerns but also as a means to provide economic opportunities for American workers and prepare them for the jobs of the future in the clean energy and climate resilience sectors. The American Climate Corps is seen as a way to provide pathways for young people to gain necessary skills and succeed in the clean energy economy. By creating opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and qualifications, the program aims to address the climate crisis while also promoting economic growth and sustainability.
The overarching goal of the American Climate Corps is to make it easy for any American to find work that addresses the climate crisis and gain the skills required for the clean energy and climate resilience workforce. By providing opportunities for individuals to contribute to climate action and conservation efforts, the program aims to have a positive impact on communities affected by environmental challenges such as wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. The initiative represents a significant step towards achieving President Biden’s vision for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for the nation.
