Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Agreement Between Seven Federal Agencies to Implement the American Climate Corps

Date: Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Contact: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON — Today, the Biden-Harris administration announced it is taking critical steps to advance the American Climate Corps, a landmark initiative announced by President Biden earlier this year to train the next generation of clean energy, conservation, and climate resilience workers, while putting them on a path to good-paying union jobs. As part of this commitment, the Department of the Interior joined other federal agencies – including the Departments of Commerce, Agriculture, Labor and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and AmeriCorps – in formally entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will serve as a blueprint for the multiagency program.

In addition, beginning in January, Secretary Deb Haaland and senior Administration officials will convene a series of virtual listening sessions to hear directly from prospective American Climate Corps applicants and implementing partners, including labor unions, educational institutions, employer partners, and state, local and Tribal governments about their priorities for the American Climate Corps. The convenings will inform the implementation of this historic new initiative. More information about the virtual listening sessions can be found on the White House’s website.

“Connecting young people with nature early and often is key to building long-term relationships between communities and their surroundings. Through the American Climate Corps, the Biden-Harris administration is providing meaningful education, employment and training opportunities to youth through conservation projects on public lands and waters,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “These kinds of partnerships are needed to leverage historic federal investments and are essential in our work to address the challenges of the climate crisis presents. Together, we can empower our communities to strengthen their connection to nature and help lift up the next generation of stewards for this Earth.”

More information about the MOU and the American Climate Corps can be found at this White House Fact Sheet.

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