Sierra Club: We Need a Just and Equitable Civilian Climate Corps

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This morning, environmental groups including Sierra Club and members of Congress gathered at a press conference at the United States Capitol to call for the creation of a modern Civilian Climate Corps. Senators Chris Coons, Ed Markey, and Ron Wyden and Representatives Judy Chu, Marcy Kaptur, Joe Neguse, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered remarks. During the press conference, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pledged to support a modern CCC. Inspired by the New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps, the a modern CCC would offer good jobs to young people and others to do necessary work conserving and restoring public lands, waters, and forests, increasing carbon sequestration, protecting biodiversity, improving outdoor access, and addressing climate change.

In response, Sierra Club President Ramón Cruz, who attended the press conference, released the following statement:

“A modern Civilian Climate Corps is an ideal way to take on the multiple crises we’re facing.

“An ambitious CCC would pay young people to do the work we need to meet our climate goals like protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, keeping our communities safe from extreme weather, and ensuring all can enjoy a direct connection to nature on a thriving planet.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create good jobs for every young person who wants one while doing the essential work we need to take on the climate crisis. We need a just and equitable CCC, inspired by our past, updated for our era, and big enough to take on the challenges we face today.”