President Biden has officially launched the American Climate Corps, a program aimed at mobilizing tens of thousands of Americans for conservation and eco-friendly projects nationwide. The announcement coincided with Earth Day and is part of broader actions unveiled by the White House to commemorate the day. This initiative, along with recent regulations blocking off federal land from future oil drilling and grants for solar projects, contributes to what the White House calls the most ambitious land and water conservation agenda in American history. The goal is to make economic opportunities and pathways accessible to all Americans, regardless of qualifications or background.
The American Climate Corps will consist of 20,000 workers focused on roles combating climate change, such as conservation, green energy, and environmental justice work. These positions do not require previous experience and will be geared towards providing workers with the necessary skills for the clean energy and climate resilience workforce of the future. A new website has been launched for interested individuals to apply for these roles, with 2,000 positions expected to be listed across 36 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. The first class of the American Climate Corps is set to be deployed in June 2024, providing opportunities for Americans to engage in climate-related work.
President Biden’s executive action to establish the American Climate Corps comes after pressure from progressives and environmental groups, including Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have been advocating for such a program. The urgency to address climate change is not only motivated by its impact on communities but also by the need to create job opportunities for American workers in the clean energy sector. While the administration has engaged with lawmakers like Markey and Ocasio-Cortez to gather input on the program, Republicans have criticized the initiative, arguing that congressional authorization is necessary for its implementation.
The program has faced criticism from Republicans who question the source of funding for the American Climate Corps and argue that it lacks legal authority without congressional approval. Rep. James Comer and Rep. Pete Sessions have raised concerns about the program’s legality, comparing it to the Civilian Conservation Corps implemented by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression. They are leading an oversight investigation into the program to determine the basis for its establishment and ensure transparency in its operations. Despite these challenges, the American Climate Corps represents a significant step towards engaging Americans in climate-related work and providing pathways to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
