September 21, 2023 10:50 a.m.

On Thursday Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley praised the Biden Administration for responding to their request to advance a federal Civilian Climate Corps program that they say would tackle some of the climate crisis’ worst impacts and prepare a whole generation of workers for good-paying union jobs in the clean economy.

A joint release said this week’s announcement regarding the launch of the American Climate Corps means more that 20,000 young people will be placed in jobs that promote clean energy, conservation and climate resilience. The announcement followed a recent letter from the senators and a group of colleagues, asking that the action be taken.

Wyden said, “This is great news for rural Oregon where communities face heightened wildfire threats and the challenge of generating good jobs for young people”. Wyden said, “In decades past, the end of summer this week would mark the end of wildfire season in our state. That’s unfortunately no longer the case with the climate crisis”. Wyden said the investment in a 21st century workforce to combat some of the most devastating effects of the climate crisis will reduce those wildfire risks while working to restore the public lands in Oregon and nationwide.

Merkley said, “A Civilian Climate Corps will create jobs while protecting our health, planet and future”. Merkley said he is thrilled to see the announcement to launch the program.

Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts led the letter. Alongside Wyden and Merkley, the letter was signed by nine other members of Congress.