A group of more than 80 House and Senate Democrats on Tuesday laid out their vision for a climate jobs program called the Civilian Climate Corps that is expected to be part of a sweeping $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill filled with Democratic priorities.
A new letter from Democrats spanning the ideological spectrum pushed for the program to prioritize natural climate solutions, clean energy, climate resilience and addressing environmental justice.
The lawmakers also called for “ambitious” labor standards, including a living wage and an award to help participants pay for college or pay back student loans. The letter did not specify how much money should be provided for that program.
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They said half of the climate program’s investment should be directed into front-line communities disproportionately impacted by environmental issues and that half of the Corps’ members should be recruited from such communities.
The push was spearheaded by Reps. Joe NeguseJoseph (Joe) NeguseProgressive fighting turns personal on internal call over antitrust bills Black Caucus presses Democratic leaders to expedite action on voting rights OVERNIGHT ENERGY: House votes to nix Trump methane rule | Supreme Court rules in favor of oil refineries in blending waiver dispute | Colorado lawmaker warns of fire season becoming year-round MORE (Colo.), Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez (N.Y.), Judy ChuJudy May ChuDemocrats face daunting hurdles despite promising start Biden to task White House initiative with coordinating ‘comprehensive’ response to anti-Asian bias Biden signs anti-Asian hate crimes bill into law MORE (Calif.), Marcy KapturMarcia (Marcy) Carolyn KapturPelosi picks Democrats for special panel tackling inequality The Memo: Lawmakers on edge after Greene’s spat with Ocasio-Cortez Democrats demand Biden administration reopen probe into Tamir Rice’s death MORE (Ohio) and Bobby RushBobby Lee RushDemocrats seek to counter GOP attacks on gas prices Doug Emhoff carves out path as first second gentleman Granholm expresses openness to pipeline cyber standards after Colonial attack MORE (Ill.) and by Sens. Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenDemocrats seek to tackle climate change with import tax Equilibrium/ Sustainability — The gentler side of Shark Week Biden needs to help end federal cannabis prohibition MORE (Ore.), Chris CoonsChris Andrew CoonsOvernight Energy: Democrats seek to tackle climate change with import tax | Advocates say bigger deal needed to meet climate crisis | Western wildfires worsen with 80 different fires Democrats unveil polluter import tax legislation Democrats confident their plans are coming together MORE (Del.) and Ed MarkeyEd MarkeyThe Hill’s Morning Report – Presented by Goldman Sachs – Biden rallies Senate Dems behind mammoth spending plan Initial hospital costs for gun injuries tops B per year: GAO report Biden rallies Democrats: ‘We’re going to get this done’ MORE (Mass.).
Some of these lawmakers have already introduced legislation with different specifications for the program.
In their letter, the lawmakers acknowledged those differences, saying that “while each of these bills vary in detail, we collectively ask that the upcoming reconciliation package include text that supports and funds a Civilian Climate Corps program as outlined in this letter.”
During the press conference, Ocasio-Cortez described this as a “yes, and” approach, saying the proposals are “inclusive” rather than competitive.
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The lawmakers are also pushing for prioritizing programs that offer apprenticeship opportunities and job placement assistance.
They also want to create a “central entity” in the White House to coordinate and oversee the Corps’ work and have funding for enlisting Americans “at scale” including through AmeriCorps infrastructure.
Climate advocates have also championed the proposal — with the youth-led Sunrise Movement focusing its advocacy around the program as well.
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