Just before Earth Day, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D‑N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D‑Mass.) introduced the Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act of 2021 at a news conference reintroducing the Green New Deal.

The Corps will compensate at least $15 per hour for its 1.5 million workers, provide full healthcare coverage, support transportation, housing, and childcare for workers, and offer educational grants of $25,000 per year of service.

The CCC will have a major focus on regenerating agricultural and forest lands: “Conserve and restore public lands and waters, bolster community resilience, increase reforestation, increase carbon sequestration in the agricultural sector, protect biodiversity, improve access to recreation, and address the changing climate.”

It also includes ​explicit antiracist language to ensure ​“environmental justice communities” benefit from of at least 50% of the projects.

Take Action: Tell your Members of Congress: Support the Civilian Climate Corps and the Green New Deal!

Learn more: AOC and Ed Markey Want a Civilian Climate Corps. Here’s What It Could Look Like.