CBF Endorses Sen. Casey’s Bill to Revitalize the Civilian Conservation Corps

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) today endorsed legislation authored by Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa) to create a new Civilian Conservation Corps that would put people to work restoring waterways and public lands, adopting sustainable farming practices, and improving resilience to climate change in local communities. 

The Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps (REVIVE the CCC) Act of 2021 would ensure projects reflect local conservation goals and economic conditions, invest in conservation jobs on private farmland as well as public lands, provide skill development and continued education to participants, and prioritize jobs and benefits for underserved populations. 

Many of the conservation projects the bill would support, including restoring forests, rebuilding coastlines, and improving soil and water quality on farmland, would directly benefit the Chesapeake Bay and the creeks, streams, and rivers across its six-state watershed as well.  

CBF Federal Executive Director Denise Stranko released this statement on the bill:

“Rebooting the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps to combat the 21st century threat of climate change is an idea whose time has come. CBF applauds Sen. Casey for responding with legislation that would also create jobs and tackle the environmental and economic injustices facing underserved communities.

“CBF is particularly pleased Sen. Casey’s bill recognizes the critical role farmers can play fighting climate change. Conservation measures that sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such planting cover crops and rotational grazing, are also essential to curbing the farm runoff that continues to pollute local streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

“Saving the Bay and increasing resiliency to climate change are two sides of the same coin. CBF applauds Sen. Casey for addressing these intertwined imperatives in his REVIVE the CCC Act of 2021. We are proud to support this bill.” 

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