Kaptur Civilian Conservation Corps Bill Included in Sweeping Climate Change Plan Unveiled by House Democrats
Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, released the following statement in support of the sweeping climate change plan unveiled by the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. The plan, titled Solving the Climate Crisis: The Congressional Action Plan for a Clean Energy Economy and a Healthy, Resilient, and Just America, is the most aggressive climate action plan ever put forth by the U.S. Congress. The plan includes the 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Kaptur to reestablish the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The act would reduce unemployment while protecting America's natural resources and combatting the effects of climate change.
"As Americans grapple with the economic fallout resulting from COVID-19, a federal jobs program like the Civilian Conservation Corps not only makes sense, it is desperately needed," said Rep. Kaptur. "The dual challenges of putting Americans back to work following COVID-19 and taking substantive action to prevent further climate change will take bold, outside the box proposals and difficult conversations. The fact that my CCC bill was included in Democrats' climate change plan proves that Congress is not only ready to have that conversation, it is ready to move forward."
"Reestablishing the CCC would provide unemployed Americans with the opportunity to serve their country through work opportunities that rebuild our natural treasures and roll back the effects of climate change. Members of the 21st Century CCC will engage in the prevention of forest fires, floods and soil erosion; reforestation and eradication of invasive species and flora disease control; and the modernization, design, and construction of trails and facilities throughout our nation's natural spaces. This legislation has never been as important as it is now. I thank my colleagues on the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis and look forward to working with them and all Members to move bold proposals like the 21st Century Civilian Conservation Corps Act forward and over the finish line."
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