Biden is unveiling the American Climate Corps, a program with echoes of the New Deal
NPR Online NewsOct 02, 2023
The Facts
On Wednesday, the Biden Admin. unveiled the creation of the American Climate Corps — an initiative aimed at environmental projects set to involve 20K young adults in its first year.
The program will involve building trails, planting trees, installing solar panels, as well as other work aimed at conservation to prevent natural disasters like wildfires. The Climate Corps will initially pair with at least 10 states and six federal agencies.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
With the environment a key concern for young Americans, establishing a Climate Corps is an audible policy choice for the Biden admin. with one eye towards the 2024 election. After being previously criticized by climate activists for the approval of fossil fuel projects alongside a lack of environmental success in Congress, Pres. Biden has taken matters into his own hands through his executive order.
Republican narrative
So far, it's unclear how much this program will cost the American taxpayer, or who will lead this endeavor of government expansion. The Climate Corps has been met with skepticism by those who would wish executive action instead on key issues such as the border crisis and gas prices rather than the resurrection of a near-century-old socialistic policy aimed at reducing unemployment during an economic crisis.