On September 20, ReImagine Appalachia released this statement on the announcement of the American Climate Corps to train young people in clean energy, conservation and climate resilience skills.  Click Here to sign up to learn more about how to join.

The text of the statement follows--

Communities across Appalachia need solutions as big as the challenges we face. Today’s announcement from the Biden Administration is exactly what is needed to put Appalachians to work reimagining Appalachian communities and increasing resilience to climate impacts.

“Pay attention. This is what truly sustainable, equitable economic development looks like – creating jobs that are good for the environment while simultaneously paving career pathways out of poverty for disadvantaged workers,” said Amanda Woodrum, Co-Director, ReImagine Appalachia.

Importantly, the American Climate Corps will prioritize communities that are traditionally left behind, including energy communities that powered our nation for generations.

The revived Corps is welcome news and builds on the work ReImagine Appalachia has been doing since its inception.

ReImagine Appalachia’s whitepaper noted the ways that a modern Conservation Corps could break barriers for people who have had difficulty securing good-paying jobs.

Said Dana Kuhnline, Campaign Manager of ReImagine Appalachia, “This is great and welcome news, and we’re excited to see expansion and growth of the revived program. This is exactly what we talk about when we say we’re Reimagining Appalachia – creating a new, inclusive, thriving region where workforce development helps more young folks access the training they need for good-paying jobs in the clean energy and climate resilience.”

In the early 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) was created as part of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. 

The work relief program was created to improve America’s public lands while simultaneously employing thousands of (disproportionately white) men.

This program helped build both familial wealth and public infrastructure that have lasted well through this century.

In recent years, ReImagine Appalachia has researched and discussed re-introducing a modern CCC that could address environmental justice issues within our communities as well as create jobs for underserved populations.

Click Here to read the American Climate Corps fact sheet.   Click Here to sign up to learn more about how to join.

For more information on the transition to a 21st century economy that’s good for workers, communities and the environment in Appalachia, visit the ReImagine Appalachia website.

NewsClip:

-- The Allegheny Front: PA Groups Thrilled By Launch Of American Climate Corps, But Wish It Were Bigger

[Posted: September 20, 2023]

9/25/2023