Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is introducing the Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps of 2021, or the REVIVE the CCC Act (S.2414), which would revitalize the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps into a modern-day employment, job training and conservation program. The REVIVE the CCC Act would advance our Nation’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis while creating well-paying, quality conservation jobs that protect and restore waterways, working lands and the health and resiliency of our rural and urban communities.
“As communities in Pennsylvania and across the country continue to face devastating economic conditions along with the effects of the climate crisis, a revitalized Civilian Conservation Corps would enable us to invest in our workforce, our environment and the next generation of conservationists, farmers, foresters and leaders committed to taking on the climate crisis and preserving our shared natural resources. My legislation would renew vital efforts to bring conservation jobs to our communities, invest in our local economies and ensure farmers continue to play a critical role in climate change mitigation. It is past time for us to take action to address the climate crisis and create jobs while we do it,” said Senator Casey.
"As an organization that, for 30 years, has supported protecting and regenerating natural ecosystems through agricultural land stewardship, we fully stand behind a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, agriculture is one of the nation's leading sources of water pollution. A modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps would help farmers replenish natural landscapes to turn the tide on water pollution and protect the health of communities across the country,” said Hannah Smith Brubaker, Executive Director, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.
"Young farmers and ranchers are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. They acknowledge the necessity of concerted climate action and are committing their energy and their farms to form part of our national response to this emergency. Proposals like the REVIVE the CCC Act are investing in our young farmers and ranchers, land stewards and future ones to make land the foundation of our planetary health,” said Vanessa García Polanco, Federal Policy Director, National Young Farmers Coalition.
“We cannot address climate change without addressing interconnected concerns like racial injustice, economic injustice, and food insecurity. It is time to put people to work with well-paying jobs that benefit God’s creation and prioritize the communities most impacted by the climate crisis. The original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was instrumental in creating jobs and preserving our natural environment, and we have a unique opportunity to revitalize the CCC in a robust, equitable way. As young Christians, we want our leaders to rise to this historic moment and take bold action. Young Evangelicals for Climate Action welcomes Senator Casey’s plan to support workers while addressing environmental and economic injustice,” said Tori Goebel, National Organizer and Spokesperson, Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.
The REVIVE the CCC Act would guarantee that local communities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to the design of CCC projects and positions. Further, it would ensure that farmers are part of the effort to rebuild our economy and invest in climate solutions. Under this legislation, farmers could serve as hosts for Corps members – providing the opportunity to train the next generation of farmers while also expanding their own ability to implement conservation on the land.
This legislation also includes measures to address environmental justice issues, such as air quality, transportation, access to green space and safe housing. As we recover from the pandemic, it is critical that we rebuild and invest in a more productive, equitable and just economy.
The REVIVE the CCC Act is endorsed by:
Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Evangelical Environmental Network, Forest Hills Borough Council, Keystone Research Center, National Wildlife Federation, National Young Farmers Coalition, Pasa Sustaintable Agriculture, PennFuture, ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, The Corps Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.
Read more about the REVIVE the CCC Act (S.2414) here.
Read the full text of the REVIVE the CCC Act (S.2414) here.
