Washington (December 19, 2023) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), co-authors of the Green New Deal resolution and Civilian Climate Corps legislation, released the following statement today on the new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Biden administration’s American Climate Corps Initiative and the launch of the American Climate Corps listening tour:

“We need a whole-of-government approach to the climate crisis, and the Biden administration is uniting six agencies and AmeriCorps to make the American Climate Corps central in our fight for a livable future. Tens of thousands of people across the country—especially young people—are ready to sign up, get trained, and get to work on creating clean, healthy, and climate-resilient communities. This MOU, guided by strong principles, is an important start. Now, federal agencies need to match public enthusiasm with their own, and bring resources, training, and meaningful jobs and projects to the table. We will keep fighting in Congress to provide more support for Corps members and to supercharge this historic program.”

In September, Senator Markey and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez led 49 of their colleagues in sending a letter to President Biden in support of executive action to establish a federally coordinated Civilian Climate Corps initiative. Following this outreach, the Administration launched the new American Climate Corps, which will mobilize and train a diverse generation of 20,000 service members for the clean energy and climate resilience economy. Senator Markey and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez also reintroduced the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act, legislation that would establish a robust and equitable Civilian Climate Corps administered by AmeriCorps. This legislation would update, modernize, and expand the concept of the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps: ensuring that all Americans who want to participate may do so, regardless of race, age, or gender; broadening the range of eligible projects; providing 21st century health and education benefits; deepening partnerships with unions; and preserving Tribal sovereignty. 

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