(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – HAPPENING NOW: Today, handing climate zealots a huge win, Joe Biden launched a federal program targeting the employment of over 20,000 youths in roles that advance renewable energy and address climate change.
Using executive authority, Biden introduced the American Climate Corps, described by White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi as a “workforce training and service initiative that will ensure more young people have access to the skills-based training necessary for good-paying careers in the clean energy and climate resilience economy.”
The concept of a climate corps, inspired by the New Deal’s Civilian Conservation Corps that employed young individuals in public land projects, has been a favored proposal among Democrats.
This unveiling coincides with the Biden administration’s endeavors to spotlight their environmental milestones and participation in Climate Week NYC, an event in New York in sync with the U.N. General Assembly gathering.
The desire to create a climate corps isn’t new for Biden.
Only days after his inauguration, Biden signed an executive order pushing for the establishment of a Civilian Climate Corps. Democrats previously attempted to secure funding through their “Build Back Better Act,” but it didn’t materialize in the resulting climate policy.
Zaidi highlighted this development: “Years after idea and imagination, after organizing and marching, yet another element of the president’s historic climate agenda is coming to life.”
However, the specifics regarding the program’s operation or funding remain unclear from the White House.
The Sunrise Movement’s co-founder, Varshini Prakash, identifies the corps as pivotal for young environmental activists. She emphasized on a White House call, “We need millions of people — especially young people — employed to do the essential work of averting climate catastrophe and building a fair and equitable new economy.” Drawing parallels to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s initiative, Prakash added that this corps aims for diversity and inclusivity, unlike the past iteration, which was limited to white males.
This proposal enjoys backing from prominent Democrats in Congress.
This week, Democratic figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Ed Markey, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer conveyed their support for such a climate employment program to Biden.
However, Republicans have expressed skepticism. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called it a program for “young liberal activists.” Similarly, Rep. Jim Banks criticized it as “a cabal of federally funded climate police.”
While Markey and Ocasio-Cortez propose legislation allocating $132.5 billion over five years for the Civilian Climate Corps, obtaining funds for an expansive new program without legislative backing poses challenges.
