"Biden Launches American Climate Corps"

"President Joe Biden is launching a new federal program that aims to put more than 20,000 young people to work in jobs that promote renewable energy and combat climate change.

Biden will use executive power to launch the American Climate Corps, 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,” White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi told reporters Tuesday.

The idea behind a climate corps — modeled after the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps, which put young people to work improving public lands — has been popular among Democrats for some time.

The announcement comes as the Biden team is launching an administrationwide campaign to tout its climate achievements and participating in Climate Week NYC, an annual event held in New York City that coincides with the U.N. General Assembly session.

The move also comes as the 2024 presidential campaign is heating up. A federal jobs program aimed at young workers could help the president appeal to younger voters who could be critical in determining whether he stays in the White House."

Robin Bravender reports for E&E News September 20, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"Wanted: 20,000 Young Americans to Fight Climate Change" (New York Times)

"Biden Finds Funds to Launch an ‘American Climate Corps’ With Existing Authority Congress Has Given to Agencies" (Inside Climate News)

"Biden Uses Executive Power To Create A New Deal-Style American Climate Corps" (AP)

 

Source: E&E News, 09/21/2023