Lamb, Wild, Evans and Kuster Introduce Legislation to Revitalize the Civilian Conservation Corps

Press Release

Today, Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) was joined by Representatives Susan Wild (PA-7), Dwight Evans (PA-3) and Ann McLane Kuster (NH-2) to introduce the Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps of 2021, or the REVIVE the CCC Act, which would revitalize the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps into a modern-day employment, job training and conservation program. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The REVIVE the CCC Act would advance 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.

"This legislation will revitalize the CCC and put people to work with good-paying jobs. This is a smart investment in our local communities, our workforce and our environment," said Lamb.

"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 with Rep. Lamb 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 Casey.

"Over the past few years, Pennsylvanians have been experiencing more and more climate change disasters in their own backyards," said Wild. "It's clear that the climate crisis will not slow down unless we act now. Reviving the CCC would put people to work with good-paying jobs, while tackling the climate crisis in our local communities."

"This bill has the potential to provide much-needed employment and job training for young people from Philadelphia and across the country, while also dealing with the climate crisis that has been on dramatic display recently," said Evans. "The local input for the projects would be from urban as well as rural communities, and would include environmental justice issues, improving air quality, transportation, access to green space and safe housing. As Pennsylvania works to recover from the pandemic, we must ensure that we Build Back Better by investing in good-paying green jobs."

"In order to prevent the worst effects of climate change and preserve the beautiful state of New Hampshire for generations to come, we must empower our communities to advance effective, targeted solutions," said Kuster. "I'm proud to help introduce this legislation to revive the Civilian Conservation Corps, bolster environmental training and mentorship opportunities, engage Granite State farmers and producers in developing conservation efforts, and invest in our nation's future."

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. It would also ensure that farmers are part of the effort to rebuild the 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 issues including air quality, transportation, access to green space and safe housing.

The CCC was a work relief program that provided millions of jobs on environmental projects during the Great Depression. During its nine years of existence, the CCC planted more than three billion trees and constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide. These infrastructure accomplishments endure and support our economy nearly a century later.

The REVIVE the CCC Act is endorsed by the following organizations: 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 Sustainable Agriculture, PennFuture, ReImagine Appalachia Coalition, The Corps Network, West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and Young Evangelicals for Climate Action.

Visit Lamb's website to learn more about the REVIVE the CCC Act.