GOP examines Biden’s ‘Climate Corps’ initiative.
Republicans Question Validity of Biden’s American Climate Corps Initiative
Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are closely examining the American Climate Corps (ACC), the Biden administration’s latest effort to combat the climate crisis by training young workers for green energy and conservation jobs.
President Joe Biden launched the program on September 20 through executive action, instructing federal agencies to collaborate with AmeriCorps to establish it officially.
The administration emphasized that the initiative would prioritize “equity and environmental justice.”
However, Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) have raised doubts about the program’s legitimacy.
“Unlike the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was established by President [Franklin] Roosevelt in response to a law passed by Congress, the program’s announcement does not mention any legal authority supporting its creation,” the congressmen wrote in an October 13 letter (pdf) to AmeriCorps.
They also questioned the funding source and purpose of the taxpayer dollars allocated to the ACC, as the administration directed AmeriCorps to establish a new ACC “hub.”
AmeriCorps, the Republicans pointed out, is the federal agency responsible for national service and volunteerism in the United States. This raises concerns about the identity and goals of the organizations applying for taxpayer funds to support the ACC program.
In September, the White House mentioned a proposed rulemaking that, if finalized, could provide a streamlined pathway for ACC participants to enter federal service.
Given these concerns, the lawmakers have given AmeriCorps until October 27 to provide the requested documents and information regarding the specific jobs, selection process, and purposes of the ACC.
This letter from the congressmen follows criticism from other Republicans on the Hill, who argue that the president lacks the authority to create the ACC without congressional approval.
Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) expressed his concerns, stating, ”I think it’s another example of how if you can’t get things done through legislation, he’s going to be very apt to do things through executive orders and rulings.”
He added, “I’m a Republican who believes we need to be part of the climate discussion, but not through extreme proposals and the manipulation of agencies to push a specific agenda.”
President Biden initially mentioned the creation of a “Civilian Climate Corps Initiative” in an executive order he signed during his first week in office.
In that order, he instructed the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to develop a strategy for establishing such a program using existing appropriations within 90 days.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House for details on the funding sources for these existing appropriations.
In the meantime, the administration has already started accepting applications for the program through the White House website.
This new initiative complements the Climate Corps programs launched by ten states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, Utah, and Washington.
Through this federal program, the Biden administration aims to train and compensate over 20,000 young Americans from diverse backgrounds for careers in climate and eco-friendly fields.
Savannah Hulsey-Pointer and Jackson Richman contributed to this report.
What legal authority supports the creation of the American Climate Corps initiative, and how does it differ from the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps?
Hat the American Climate Corps initiative lacks transparency and accountability.
Representative Comer and Representative Sessions have both expressed concern over the absence of legal authority supporting the creation of the ACC. They argue that unlike the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was done through a law passed by Congress and signed by President Roosevelt, the ACC’s announcement did not mention any legal basis for its formation. This raises questions about the program’s legitimacy and whether it has the necessary legal framework to operate effectively.
Another issue raised by the lawmakers is the funding source for the ACC. They question the use of taxpayer dollars allocated to the program and the establishment of a new ACC “hub” within AmeriCorps. As the federal agency responsible for national service and volunteerism, AmeriCorps’s involvement in the ACC has raised concerns about the identity and goals of the organizations applying for taxpayer funds to support the program. The lawmakers seek clarification on how these funds will be used and whether they align with the intended purposes of the initiative.
In addition to these concerns, the lawmakers are also seeking information on the specific jobs and selection process for ACC participants, as well as the overall purpose of the initiative. This information is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness and potential impact of the program. Without transparency and clear objectives, it is challenging to assess whether the ACC will effectively address climate issues and provide meaningful opportunities for young workers.
The lawmakers have given AmeriCorps until October 27 to provide the requested documents and information, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in government initiatives. Failure to provide satisfactory responses could lead to further scrutiny and potential challenges to the implementation of the ACC.
This criticism from Republicans is not unique, as other members of the party have also expressed reservations about the American Climate Corps initiative. The lack of transparency and accountability remains a central concern, as lawmakers and citizens alike seek reassurance that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and responsibly.
As the debate over the ACC continues, it is crucial for both Republicans and Democrats to engage in a constructive dialogue and address these concerns. Climate change is an urgent issue that requires bipartisan collaboration and innovative solutions. By ensuring transparency and accountability in government initiatives like the ACC, lawmakers can build trust and confidence among the public and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
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