What is the Biden Administration doing for the climate?

President Biden, since taking office, has made waves with an unprecedented climate, clean energy, conservation, and environmental justice agenda. Notably, he's enacted the largest investment in climate action to date, protected over 21 million acres of public lands and water, and advanced the groundbreaking Justice40 Initiative. This initiative directs 40 percent of the benefits from vital federal investments to disadvantaged communities.

In line with his remarkable commitment to addressing the climate crisis, President Biden is now unveiling a key component of his "Investing in America" agenda. Through an executive action, he's introducing the American Climate Corps, a workforce training and service initiative that will open doors for young individuals to acquire skills-based training for rewarding careers in the clean energy and climate resilience sector. The American Climate Corps is set to mobilize a new, diverse generation of more than 20,000 Americans, putting them to work on vital missions. These missions include conserving and restoring our natural habitats, enhancing community resilience, promoting clean energy, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and advancing environmental justice. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for high-quality, well-paying jobs in the clean energy and climate resilience domains within both the public and private sectors, following the completion of their paid training programs.

The American Climate Corps stands as a beacon of equity and environmental justice. It prioritizes communities that have historically been underserved and even left behind. This includes energy communities that have been the backbone of our nation for generations. The program leverages the diverse talents of our society and directs its focus towards projects that align with the Administration's Justice40 goal.

In a spirit of collaboration, President Biden calls upon Tribal, State, and local governments, labor unions, nonprofit service partners, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations to join hands with the Federal government. The goal is to expand skills-based training partnerships, ensuring that our nation is equipped with the workforce required to meet its climate objectives. In a testament to the program's appeal, five states are launching their own Climate Corps programs in partnership with the American Climate Corps. With this latest development, a total of ten states will have launched Climate Corps initiatives since 2021.

To facilitate recruitment and participation, the White House is introducing a dedicated website where those interested in joining or supporting the American Climate Corps can sign up to learn more about this exciting endeavor.

Here's what the American Climate Corps is set to achieve:

1. Training for the Green Future: The American Climate Corps is an innovative initiative designed to provide the next generation of Americans with job training and service opportunities in the fight against climate change. Participants will engage in projects ranging from coastal wetland restoration to clean energy deployment. All programs under the American Climate Corps will be paid experiences, adhering to a set of common programmatic standards. They will provide pathways to promising job opportunities in both public and private sectors, even for those without prior experience in these fields.
2. Streamlined Recruitment: The Federal government is committed to creating a streamlined and user-friendly recruitment experience for American Climate Corps participants. The launch of a dedicated recruitment website will enable participants to explore and apply for opportunities in their local communities. Organizations will also find resources to collaborate effectively with American Climate Corps members.
3. A Boost for Education: President Biden encourages the CEO of AmeriCorps to consider expanding access to Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for American Climate Corps members engaged in national service work. These awards can be used to support post-secondary education and training or to reduce student debt.
4. Clear Path to Civil Service: The Office of Personnel Management is taking steps to create a more straightforward pathway into federal service for individuals who have participated in federally-supported national, state, local, or Tribal service programs, including the American Climate Corps programs.
5. Collaboration for Success: As proof of the concept's viability, five states, including California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, and Washington, have successfully launched climate corps programs funded through public-private partnerships. These programs have served as collaborative models that will work in conjunction with the American Climate Corps. They will ensure that young people across the country can serve their communities while participating in paid opportunities that are dedicated to tackling climate change.

It has been announced that Biden-Harris Administration's investments total nearly $500 million so far. These investments have expanded opportunities for well-paying union jobs by prioritizing Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs, particularly in the realm of clean energy and climate-focused careers. To further fortify this historic agenda, the Administration is taking several significant steps:

1. Investing in Apprenticeships: The Department of Labor is channeling resources into pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships. This includes supporting initiatives that educate and train young individuals in green initiatives, a vital step towards building a sustainable workforce.
2. Empowering Careers in Energy: The Department of Energy's Career Skills Training Program is allocating $10 million in grants to support career skills training programs. These programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training, preparing students for industry-related certifications in energy-efficient building technologies.
3. National Service for Climate Action: AmeriCorps and the U.S. Forest Service are joining forces to launch Forest Corps, a five-year, $15 million agreement. This program will engage young adults in wildland fire prevention, reforestation, and other natural and cultural resource management projects. It supports the U.S. Forest Service's Wildfire Crisis Strategy and Reforestation Strategy. Participants will receive competitive compensation packages, extensive training, and the chance to develop essential skills for careers in natural resource management, forest health, and climate resilience.
4. Expanding the Indian Youth Service Corps: The Department of the Interior is committing $15 million through President Biden's Investing in America Agenda to expand the Indian Youth Service Corps. This initiative will support the next generation of conservation and climate stewards, particularly in underserved communities. With funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Interior Department aims to increase the capacity of the Corps and similar projects, benefiting federally recognized Tribes, Tribal organizations, U.S. territories, the Native Hawaiian Community, and urban communities across the United States.

Political polarizations aside, the American Climate Corps stands as a testament to the Biden-Harris Administration's unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and providing opportunities for a better, greener future.

Find more initiatives around the US this administration has taken to create more wealth for its citizens.