[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2670 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2670
To amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a
Civilian Climate Corps to help communities respond to climate change
and transition to a clean economy, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 20, 2021
Ms. Ocasio-Cortez (for herself, Ms. Barragan, Ms. Meng, Mr. Bowman, Mr.
Jones, Ms. Norton, Ms. Pressley, Mr. Pocan, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of
New York, Mr. Garcia of Illinois, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr.
Carson, Ms. Omar, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Connolly, Ms. Wilson of
Florida, and Mr. Larson of Connecticut) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in
addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a
Civilian Climate Corps to help communities respond to climate change
and transition to a clean economy, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``The Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs
and Justice Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The effects of climate change include extreme heat,
drought, intensified storms and hurricanes, rising sea level,
ocean acidification, intensifying wildfires, and other natural
disasters.
(2) These natural disasters exert profound impacts on the
lives and livelihoods of all individuals, but some communities,
particularly low-income communities and communities of color,
are disproportionately exposed and vulnerable to climate
impacts and pollution.
(3) To stem the worst effects of climate change, the global
economy must completely decarbonize and remain carbon negative
thereafter, which requires a domestic economy-wide transition
to a clean and sustainable economy within a rapid timeframe.
(4) Such a transition requires a massive labor mobilization
and the development of a diverse, inclusive, and skilled
workforce. Historically underserved communities must equitably
receive the resources they need to effectively mitigate and
adapt to climate change, and displaced or unemployed workers
require retraining and support.
(5) Millions of people face unemployment and barriers to
opportunity, especially in low-income rural, urban, and tribal
environments. These challenges have been exacerbated by the
COVID-19 crisis, which also disproportionately affected low-
income people and young people of color, who currently face
unemployment at rates double the national average.
(6) An existing network of national, State, tribal, and
local service and conservation corps can be rapidly scaled and
supplemented to mobilize labor, provide job opportunities and
career training, and help establish the workforce necessary to
accomplish the transition to a clean and just economy.
(7) Corps positions provide hands-on work experience,
income, and job training for unemployed individuals in the
United States, as well as leadership skills, an opportunity for
community service, and an understanding of environmental
stewardship.
(8) The Corporation for National and Community Service has
the ability to recruit, select, fund, and oversee 1,500,000
members of service corps by 2025 to complete important projects
across the entire country to help address the climate crisis.
(9) Unsatisfactory wages and working conditions, and
employers' refusal to respect workers' rights to organize and
collectively bargain, lead to labor disputes, which threaten to
frustrate or delay the urgent mobilization necessary to address
climate change. Such disputes are prevented or minimized when
the law effectively protects the right of workers to receive
fair compensation and benefits, to form or join unions, to
collectively bargain over the terms and conditions of
employment, and to engage in other concerted activities for
mutual aid or protection.
SEC. 3. CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12501 et seq.) is amended by inserting after subtitle J of title
I the following new subtitle:
``Subtitle K--Civilian Climate Corps
``SEC. 199O. PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS.
``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subtitle to--
``(1) add to and increase the scale of the existing network
of service programs to complete clean energy, climate
resilience, conservation, environmental remediation, and
sustainable infrastructure projects necessary to respond to and
solve the climate crisis, while providing education, workforce
development, and career pathways to participants, with a focus
on historically underserved communities; and
``(2) authorize the operation of, support for, and
assistance to service programs that meet national and community
needs related to climate change, clean energy, and
environmental justice.
``(b) Definitions.--In this subtitle:
``(1) Indian country.--The term `Indian country' has the
meaning given that term in section 1151 of title 18, United
States Code.
``(2) Under-resourced community of need.--The term `under-
resourced community of need' means--
``(A) a community with significant representation
of communities of color, low-income communities, or
tribal and indigenous communities, that experiences, or
is at risk of experiencing, higher or more adverse
human health or environmental effects, as compared to
other communities;
``(B) communities in Indian country;
``(C) a community facing economic transition,
deindustrialization, and historic underinvestment; or
``(D) a community with a high rate of poverty or
unemployment, as determined by the Director in
consultation with the advisory board established in
section 199X (referred to in this subtitle as the
`advisory board') and appropriate Federal resources
identifying environmental justice communities.
``SEC. 199P. ESTABLISHMENT OF A CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS.
``(a) In General.--The Corporation shall establish the Civilian
Climate Corps to carry out the purpose of this subtitle.
``(b) Program Components.--The Civilian Climate Corps authorized by
subsection (a) shall operate two program components:
``(1) A national climate service program described in
section 199Q, for which 66 percent of the funds appropriated to
carry out this subtitle shall be made available for operation
and administrative expenses.
``(2) A national climate service grant program described in
section 199R, for which 34 percent of the funds appropriated to
carry out this subtitle shall be made available for operation
and administrative expenses.
``SEC. 199Q. NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--Under the national climate service program
component of the Civilian Climate Corps established by section 199P,
participants shall work in teams on Civilian Climate Corps projects.
``(b) Eligible Participants.--An individual shall be eligible for
selection for the national climate service program if the individual
is, or will be, at least 17 years of age on or before December 31 of
the calendar year in which the individual enrolls in the program,
regardless of immigration status.
``(c) Diverse Background of Participants; Gender Representation.--
``(1) In general.--In selecting individuals for the
national climate service program, the Director appointed
pursuant to section 199X(c)(1) (referred to in this subtitle as
the `Director') shall ensure that eligible participants are
from economically, geographically, and ethnically diverse
backgrounds. The Director shall take appropriate steps to
recruit and select participants such that not less than 50
percent of participants are from under-resourced communities of
need.
``(2) Service in communities of origin.--To the extent
practicable, the Director shall ensure that participants are
provided opportunities to perform service in their communities
of origin if desired.
``(3) Gender representation.--To the greatest extent
practicable, the Director shall ensure inclusion and
representation of all genders among participants.
``(4) Rural representation.--To the greatest extent
practicable, the Director shall ensure inclusion and
representation of participants from counties with a population
of less than 50,000 residents.
``(d) Period of Participation.--Individuals desiring to participate
in the national service program shall enter into an agreement with the
Director to participate in the Civilian Climate Corps for a period of
not less than nine months and not more than one year, as specified by
the Director. Individuals may renew the agreement for not more than one
additional such period, with any number of years between periods of
service.
``(e) Director.--Upon the establishment of the Civilian Climate
Corps, the Civilian Climate Corps national climate service program
shall be under the direction of the Director.
``(f) Membership in Civilian Climate Corps.--
``(1) Selection of members.--The Director or the Director's
designee shall select individuals for participation within the
national climate service program, which shall grant the
individual membership within the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(2) Application for membership.--To be selected to become
a member of the Civilian Climate Corps through the national
climate service program, an individual shall submit an
application to the Director or to any other office as the
Director may designate, at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Director shall require. At a
minimum, the application shall contain sufficient information
to enable the Director, or the campus director of the
appropriate campus, to determine whether selection of the
applicant for membership in the Civilian Climate Corps is
appropriate.
``(3) Team leaders.--
``(A) In general.--The Director may select
individuals with prior supervisory or service
experience to be team leaders within units in the
Civilian Climate Corps national climate service
program, to perform service that includes leading and
supervising teams of Civilian Climate Corps members.
``(B) Rights and benefits.--A team leader shall be
provided the same rights and benefits applicable to
other Civilian Climate Corps members, except that the
Director may increase the limitation on the amount of
the living allowance under section 199S(b) for a team
leader.
``(g) Organization of National Climate Service Program Into
Units.--
``(1) Units.--The national climate service program shall be
divided into units by the Director or Director's designee. Each
Civilian Climate Corps member shall be assigned to a unit.
``(2) Unit leaders.--The leader of each unit shall be
selected by the Director. The designated leader shall accompany
the unit throughout the period of agreed service of the members
of the unit.
``(h) Campuses.--
``(1) Units may be assigned to campuses.--The units of the
national climate service program may be grouped together as
appropriate in campuses for operational, support, and, when
necessary, boarding purposes. The Civilian Climate Corps campus
for a unit shall be in a facility or central location
established as the operational headquarters for the unit. When
necessary and appropriate, Civilian Climate Corps members may
be housed in the campuses or provided housing vouchers and
support in cases where boarding is not possible.
``(2) Campus director.--There shall be a campus director
for each campus. The campus director is the head of the campus,
and preference shall be given to hiring directors that are
members of the community in which a campus is situated.
``(3) Facilities.--Upon the establishment of the program,
the Director shall identify Federal facilities in consultation
with the General Services Agency and the advisory board under
section 199X that may be used, in whole or in part, by the
national climate service program. Eligible facilities shall
include existing campuses operated by the Corporation and other
programs.
``(4) Eligible site for a campus.--A campus may be located
in a facility described in paragraph (3) or in another facility
that the Director determines is appropriate.
``(i) Environmental Justice Requirement.--The Director shall ensure
that not less than 50 percent of Civilian Climate Corps labor and
investment under this section supports climate service projects that
are based in under-resourced communities of need, of which, not less
than 10 percent of such funds for under-resourced communities of need
shall support projects that are based in Indian country.
``(j) Standards of Conduct.--The campus director of each campus
shall establish and enforce standards of conduct to promote healthy and
productive conditions in the campus and a spirit of service.
``(k) Coordination With Local Entities and Institutions.--The
Director shall ensure that Civilian Climate Corps activities carried
out under the national climate service program under this section are--
``(1) planned, and if appropriate, carried out, in
conjunction and coordination with the activities of the
Civilian Climate Corps Partners receiving grants from the
national climate service grant program, or other entities
performing activities that satisfy the goals of climate service
projects as described in section 199T;
``(2) planned and implemented in a manner that incorporates
local knowledge and planning wherever practicable,
incorporating broad-based input and partnership with the
community served, local community-based agencies, and local
labor organizations; and
``(3) planned and implemented in a manner that assists in
the development of new programs that may become Civilian
Climate Corps Partner programs in the local area where
activities are carried out, if local Civilian Climate Corps
Partner programs do not exist.
``(l) Prevailing Wage Requirement for Contractors or
Subcontractors.--Any contractor or subcontractor entering into a
service contract in connection with a project carried out under this
section shall--
``(1) be treated as a Federal contractor or subcontractor
for purposes of chapter 67 of title 41, United states Code; and
``(2) pay each class of employee employed by the contractor
or subcontractor wages and fringe benefits at rates in
accordance with prevailing rates for the class in the locality,
or, where a collective bargaining agreement covers the
employee, in accordance with the rates provided for in the
agreement, including prospective wage increases provided for in
the agreement.
``(m) Labor Policies for Entities Working With the National Climate
Service Program.--
``(1) In general.--The national climate service program
shall--
``(A) enter into agreements and cooperation only
with entities that pledge to remain neutral in labor
organizing efforts among employees who participate in
activities related to the agreement or cooperation with
the Civilian Climate Corps; and
``(B) enter into agreements and cooperation only
with entities that recognize for collective bargaining
purposes, and commit to collectively bargain with, any
labor organization that has a written majority
authorization among employees who participate in
activities related to the agreement or cooperation with
the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(2) Written majority authorization.--In this subsection,
the term `written majority authorization' means writings signed
and dated by a majority of employees in any appropriate unit in
the form of authorization cards, petitions, or other suitable
written evidence to designate a labor organization as the
representative of such employees for the purpose of collective
bargaining.
``(n) Tribal Sovereignty.--The Director shall ensure that Civilian
Climate Corps activities carried out under the national climate service
program that affect individuals in Indian country are carried out in a
manner that ensures that--
``(1) the sovereignty of Indian tribes and their
conservation efforts are maintained; and
``(2) the national climate service program operates in
consultation with the affected individuals in Indian country.
``(o) Buy American.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Director shall ensure that--
``(1) the materials used to carry out projects under this
section are substantially manufactured, mined, and produced in
the United States in accordance with chapter 83 of title 41,
United States Code (commonly known as the `Buy American Act');
and
``(2) when food and other agriculture commodities are
procured for activities carried out under this section, at
least 25 percent shall be grown and processed within 250 miles
of consumption, with a priority for procuring food produced and
processed by socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and
small businesses.
``SEC. 199R. NATIONAL CLIMATE SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Eligible Recipients.--
``(1) In general.--The Director may provide grants under
this section to States, subdivisions of States, territories,
Indian tribes, public or private nonprofit organizations, labor
organizations, Federal agencies, or institutions of higher
education.
``(2) Qualified youth service or conservation corps.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law and in accordance
with subsection (h), a qualified youth service or conservation
corps program that receives funds under subtitle C of this Act
may apply for a grant under this section while that entity is a
recipient of a grant under subtitle C, and may receive a grant
under this section after that entity terminates the grant under
subtitle C.
``(b) Grants and Subgrants Permitted.--The Corporation may provide
grants to entities in subsection (a) for the purpose of assisting the
recipients of the grants--
``(1) to carry out a full-time service project described in
section 199T; and
``(2) to make subgrants in support of other entities so
long as those other entities use the grant funds to carry out a
full-time service project described in section 199T.
``(c) Agreements With Federal Agencies.--At the discretion of the
Director, the Corporation may enter into an interagency agreement,
including a grant agreement, with another Federal agency to support a
service project described in section 199T that is carried out or
otherwise supported by the agency that fulfils the project
requirements.
``(d) Grantees To Be Partners.--Entities receiving funds through
grants or interagency agreements under this section shall be considered
Civilian Climate Corps Partners.
``(e) Participants To Be Members.--Individuals selected to perform
service projects implemented by the Civilian Climate Corps Partners
shall be members of the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(f) Provision of Authorized Benefits.--The Director shall ensure
that the Corporation provides participants in a program under this
section with the benefits described in subsections (b), (d), and (f) of
section 199S. Each Civilian Climate Corps Partner administering a
program under this section shall provide participants in that program
with the benefits described in section 199S other than those described
in subsections (b), (d), and (f) of section 199S.
``(g) No Matching Fund Requirements.--The Corporation may provide
100 percent of the cost of carrying out a program that receives
assistance under this section, whether the assistance is provided
directly to a Civilian Climate Corps Partner or as a subgrant from the
Civilian Climate Corps Partner.
``(h) Limitation on Same Entity Receiving Multiple Grants.--Unless
specifically authorized by law, the Corporation may not provide a grant
under this section to an entity that is simultaneously receiving
another grant authorized under the national service laws.
``(i) Program Assistance.--The Corporation may provide planning,
operational, or replication assistance to a qualified applicant that
submits an application under this section in the same manner as
described in section 124.
``(j) Environmental Justice Requirement.--The Director shall ensure
that not less than 50 percent of the funds made available to carry out
this section (including funds for grants allotted to States and grants
awarded to other entities) support climate service projects that are
based in under-resourced communities of need, of which not less than 10
percent of such funds for under-resourced communities of need shall
support projects that are based in Indian country.
``(k) Distribution of Funds.--
``(1) Allotment to states.--
``(A) In general.--The Corporation shall reserve 30
percent of the funds made available to carry out this
section to allot funds in accordance with this
subsection.
``(B) Indian tribe.--The Corporation shall reserve
5 percent of the funds made available to carry out this
subsection to award grants to Indian tribes.
``(C) Allotment amounts.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
of the total amounts made available to carry
out this subsection, and not reserved under
subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year, the
Corporation shall allot to each State that has
an approved application an amount that bears
the same ratio to such total amounts for that
fiscal year as the population of the State
bears to the total population of all States.
``(ii) Minimum amount.--Notwithstanding
clause (i), the minimum grant made available to
each State with an approved application for
each fiscal year shall be $600,000.
``(2) Competitive grants.--Of the funds made available to
carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Corporation shall
reserve 70 percent for grants awarded on a competitive basis to
States, subdivisions of States, territories, Indian tribes,
public or private nonprofit organizations, labor organizations,
Federal agencies, and institutions of higher education.
``(3) Application required.--The Corporation shall make an
allotment of assistance or award a competitive grant to a
recipient under this subsection only pursuant to an application
submitted by a State or other applicant under subsection (n).
``(l) Availability of Funds.--The Director shall ensure that the
number of individuals selected to perform each service project
implemented by a Civilian Climate Corps Partner does not exceed--
``(1) the amount of funding available to the applicable
Climate Corps Partner to support the project, including the
provision of benefits for each such individual; and
``(2) the amount of funding available to the Corporation to
support and provide benefits to those individuals.
``(m) Authority for Fixed-Amount Grants.--The Corporation may
provide assistance in the form of fixed-amount grants under this
section in an amount determined by the Corporation in the same manner
and under the same terms and conditions as fixed-amount grants under
section 129(l).
``(n) Application for Assistance.--To be eligible to receive
assistance under this section, a State, territory, subdivision of a
State, Indian tribe, public or private nonprofit organization,
institution of higher education, Federal agency, or labor organization
shall prepare and submit to the Director an application at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may
reasonably require, including--
``(1) the types of permissible application material
described in section 130(b), except that paragraph (11) of such
subsection shall not apply;
``(2) the required application information described in
subsection (c) and (d) of section 130;
``(3) information describing how the applicant proposes to
address the goals of the grant program under this section and
the project requirements; and
``(4) an assurance that the Civilian Climate Corps program
carried out by the applicant using assistance provided under
this section and any program supported by a grant made by the
applicant using such assistance will--
``(A) provide participants with the training,
skills, and knowledge necessary for the projects that
participants are called upon to perform, and that such
training may realistically lead to local employment in
similar fields after the completion of the program;
``(B) provide support services to participants,
such as the provision of appropriate information and
support to those participants transitioning to other
educational and career opportunities and those who are
seeking to earn the equivalent of a high school
diploma;
``(C) coordinate with the Director to fulfil the
training and career development requirements described
in section 199U;
``(D) provide in the design, recruitment, and
operation of the program for broad-based input from--
``(i) the community served and potential
participants in the program; and
``(ii) community-based agencies with a
demonstrated record of experience in providing
services and local labor organizations
representing employees of service sponsors, if
these entities exist in the area to be served
by the program;
``(E) ensure that any benefits provided by the
program meet the minimum requirements set forth in
section 199S, and ensure, through coordination with the
Director, that all members of the Civilian Climate
Corps receive all such benefits;
``(F) refrain from interfering in the employee-
management relations of Civilian Climate Corps members
in accordance with section 199W(d) or the compensation
of such members under subsections (b), (d), and (f) of
section 199S;
``(G) apply evaluation and performance goals
methods equivalent to those in section 131(d); and
``(H) remain neutral with respect to the exercise
of the right to organize and collectively bargain by
Civilian Climate Corps members.
``(o) Consideration of Applications.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall apply the criteria
described in paragraphs (3) and (4) in determining whether to
approve an application submitted under subsection (n) and
provide assistance under this section to the applicant.
``(2) Application to subgrants.--
``(A) In general.--A State or other entity that
uses assistance provided under this section to support
programs selected on a competitive basis to receive a
share of the assistance shall use the criteria
described in paragraphs (3) and (4) when considering an
application submitted by such program.
``(B) Certification.--The application of the State
or other entity under subsection (n) shall contain a
certification that the State or other entity used these
criteria in the selection of programs to receive
assistance, a description of the positions into which
participants will be placed using such assistance,
including descriptions of specific tasks to be
performed by such participants, and descriptions of the
minimum qualifications that individuals shall meet to
become participants in such programs.
``(3) Assistance criteria.--The criteria required to be
applied in evaluating applications submitted under subsection
(n) are--
``(A) the criteria described in section 133(c);
``(B) how the program will carry out activities
described in section 199T; and
``(C) the extent to which the program is equipped
to deliver the benefits and training required under
this subtitle.
``(4) Apprenticeship priority.--
``(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this
section on a competitive basis the Director shall give
priority to applications from entities that--
``(i) provide pre-apprenticeship
opportunities for participants that result in
positions in apprenticeships registered with
the Department of Labor or the State
apprenticeship agency; or
``(ii) provide, as part of Civilian Climate
Corps programming, apprenticeships registered
with the Department of Labor or the State
apprenticeship agency.
``(B) Additional priority.--In the case of entities
described in subparagraph (A)(ii), the Director shall
give an additional priority to entities that will--
``(i) impose utilization requirements for
apprenticeships registered under the Act of
August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the
`National Apprenticeship Act'; 50 Stat. 664,
chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) on the
eligible projects; and
``(ii) comply with the apprentice to
journey worker ratios established for such
apprenticeships by the Department of Labor or
the State apprenticeship agency, as applicable.
``(5) Allocation to historically black colleges and
universities.--In awarding grants under this section on a
competitive basis to institutions of higher education, the
Director shall ensure that of all funds under this section that
are awarded to institutions of higher education, not less than
10 percent of those funds shall be awarded to Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (which shall be defined as
institutions that are part B institutions under section 322 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
``(6) Other considerations.--
``(A) Geographic diversity.--The Director shall
ensure that recipients of assistance provided under
this section are geographically diverse and represent
urban and rural locales, with a focus on under-
resourced communities of need.
``(B) Age limits.--The Director shall ensure that
not less than 50 percent of the Civilian Climate Corps
Partners have no upper age limits for participation.
``(C) Rejection of state applicants.--Section
133(g) shall apply with respect to an application
submitted by a State Commission under this section for
funds described in subsection (k). The amount of any
State's allotment under subsection (k) for a fiscal
year that the Corporation determines will not be
provided for that fiscal year may be used by the
Corporation to--
``(i) make grants (and provide benefits in
connection with such grants) to other
community-based entities under this section
that propose to carry out Civilian Climate
Corps programs in such State or territory; and
``(ii) make reallotments to other States or
territories with approved applications
submitted under subsection (n), from the
allotment funds not used to make grants as
described in clause (i).
``(D) Gender representation.--To the greatest
extent practicable, the Director shall ensure inclusion
and representation of all genders among participants.
``(E) Tribal sovereignty.--The Director shall
ensure that Civilian Climate Corps activities carried
out under this section that affect individuals in
Indian country are carried out in a manner that ensures
that--
``(i) the sovereignty of Indian tribes and
their conservation efforts are maintained; and
``(ii) the activities are carried out in
consultation with the affected individuals in
Indian country.
``(p) Selection of Partner Corps Members.--The recruitment and
selection of an individual to serve in a climate service project of a
Civilian Climate Corps Partner shall be conducted by the entity to
which the assistance is provided under subsection (a).
``(q) Recruitment and Placement.--The Director and each State
Commission shall establish a system to recruit participants in a
climate service project of a Civilian Climate Corps Partner entity and
to assist in placement, and shall coordinate with other programs in the
Corporation to take advantage of existing systems as much as possible.
The Director and State Commissions shall disseminate information
regarding available positions through cooperation with secondary
schools, institutions of higher education, employment service offices,
State vocational rehabilitation agencies, and language organizations.
``(r) Full-Time Service.--An individual serving in a climate
service project of a Civilian Climate Corps Partner Corps entity--
``(1) shall agree to participate in the program sponsoring
the position for a term of service that is equal to not less
than 1,700 hours during a period of not more 10 to 12 months,
as determined by the Partner Corps entity; and
``(2) may serve in 2 terms of service, which do not need to
be consecutive terms.
``SEC. 199S. BENEFITS FOR CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS MEMBERS.
``(a) In General.--The Director shall provide for members of the
Civilian Climate Corps to receive benefits authorized by this section.
``(b) Living Allowance.--
``(1) In general.--The Director shall provide a living
allowance to members of the Civilian Climate Corps for the
period during which such members are engaged in training or any
activity on a Civilian Climate Corps project. Subject to
paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) and the duty to bargain under
section 199W(d), the Director shall establish the amount of the
allowance, except that in no event shall such allowance be less
than the equivalent of $15 per hour.
``(2) Increase.--The amount of the allowance described in
paragraph (1) shall increase yearly by the annual percentage
increase, if any, in the median hourly wage of all employees,
as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
``(3) Work as laborer or mechanic.--Notwithstanding
paragraphs (1) and (2), in the case of a member who is engaged
in construction, alteration, or repair work as a laborer or
mechanic under a Civilian Climate Corps project, the Director
shall also establish the amount of the allowance of such member
at the greater of--
``(A) the amount that would otherwise apply under
paragraphs (1) and (2); or
``(B) any amount not less than the equivalent of
the prevailing wage rate in the locality in which the
member is engaged in such project, as determined by the
Secretary of Labor, in accordance with subchapter IV of
chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code.
``(4) Work as a member furnishing services.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1)
and (2), a member of the Civilian Climate Corps who is
not subject to paragraph (3) and who is engaged in
furnishing services through a project of the Civilian
Climate Corps, including such a member who is a routine
operations worker or routine maintenance worker, shall
(subject to subparagraph (B)) be paid an allowance and
receive fringe benefits that are not less than the
equivalent of the minimum wage and fringe benefits
established in accordance with chapter 67 of title 41,
United States Code (commonly known as the `Service
Contract Act').
``(B) Requirement.--In the case the allowance
required under subparagraph (A) is less than the amount
that would otherwise apply under paragraphs (1) and
(2), the allowance of a member described in
subparagraph (A) shall be not less than the amount that
would otherwise apply under such paragraphs.
``(C) Authority.--With respect to this paragraph,
the Secretary of Labor shall have the authority and
functions set forth in chapter 67 of title 41, United
States Code.
``(c) Other Authorized Benefits.--While active as members of the
Civilian Climate Corps, members shall be provided the following
benefits when necessary to complete Corps activity, as the Director
determines appropriate:
``(1) Allowances for travel expenses, personal expenses,
and other expenses.
``(2) Quarters.
``(3) Subsistence.
``(4) Transportation.
``(5) Equipment.
``(6) Uniforms.
``(7) Supplies.
``(8) Other services determined by the Director to be
consistent with the purposes of the Program.
``(d) Health Care.--
``(1) In general.--Each member of the Civilian Climate
Corps shall be entitled to the health care benefit described in
paragraph (2) for the duration of the participant's terms of
service, as long as the member does not receive an equivalent
benefit from a different source.
``(2) Health care benefit.--The health care benefit
described in this subsection is an amount equal to the annual
premium for a gold level health plan for the member and any of
the member's dependents purchased on the American Health
Benefit Exchange in the member's State of residence, provided
the member purchases a plan on the American Health Benefit
Exchange.
``(e) Supportive Services.--Each member of the Civilian Climate
Corps shall be provided with child care services, counseling services,
and other supportive services when needed, as the Director determines
appropriate.
``(f) Educational Benefits.--
``(1) In general.--Upon completion of a term of service
with the Civilian Climate Corps, a member shall be entitled to
receive an amount equal to not more than $25,000 for each term
of service, which the member shall apply to--
``(A) tuition and related expenses at an
institution of higher education as defined in section
102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1002); or
``(B) the repayment of a qualified student loan as
defined in section 148(b)(7).
``(2) No eligibility for subtitle d award.--A Civilian
Climate Corps member shall not be eligible for the national
service educational award described in subtitle D.
``SEC. 199T. SERVICE PROJECTS.
``(a) In General.--The service projects carried out by the national
climate service program and recipients of grants from the national
climate service grant program shall help communities respond to climate
change and transition to a clean economy, through one or more of the
following activities:
``(1) Reducing carbon emissions, which may include--
``(A) weatherizing and retrofitting residential and
non-residential buildings for energy efficiency and
electrification and participating in the construction
of new net-zero buildings;
``(B) maintenance and operation of energy-efficient
and net zero buildings and properties;
``(C) building energy-efficient affordable housing
units;
``(D) conducting energy audits;
``(E) recommending ways for households to improve
energy efficiency;
``(F) installing and upgrading public transit and
electric vehicle infrastructure; and
``(G) installing clean energy infrastructure in
homes and small businesses, on farms, and in
communities.
``(2) Enabling a coordinated transition to renewable
energy, which may include--
``(A) advising on climate and energy policy;
``(B) providing clean energy-related services; and
``(C) expanding broadband access and adoption.
``(3) Building healthier and pollution-free communities,
which may include--
``(A) working with schools and youth programs to
educate students and youth about ways to reduce home
energy use and improve the environment;
``(B) assisting in the development of local
recycling and composting programs;
``(C) renewing and rehabilitating public and tribal
lands and trails owned or maintained by the Federal
Government, an Indian tribe, a State, a municipal or
local government, or any formal partners of those
entities;
``(D) improving air quality or other pollution
monitoring networks;
``(E) remediation of the effects of toxins and
other hazardous pollution, including lead exposure in
drinking water and the home;
``(F) building and maintaining green stormwater
management infrastructure;
``(G) creating and expanding local and regional
food systems; and
``(H) developing farm to institution distribution
models to make schools, hospitals, and other
institutions healthier and more food resilient.
``(4) Mitigating the effects of disasters and other trends
related to climate change, which may include--
``(A) performing community resilience assessments;
``(B) collecting and analyzing data related to
climate change and disasters;
``(C) advising and planning for community
resilience and adaptation;
``(D) building and maintaining resilient
infrastructure;
``(E) conducting prescribed burns or engaging in
reforestation activity;
``(F) supporting the activities of local emergency
management agencies and programs; and
``(G) advising and supporting farmers and ranchers
in the implementation of management practices that
account for climate change.
``(5) Preparing communities for disaster, which may
include--
``(A) organizing community-based resiliency
coalitions and working groups;
``(B) providing disaster preparedness or community
emergency response team training to community-based
organizations and residents, including for animals in
disasters;
``(C) providing education on climate change,
disaster, and resilience at community-based
organizations and schools; and
``(D) developing community climate resilience hub
infrastructure.
``(6) Recovering from disasters, which may include--
``(A) clearing debris;
``(B) repairing and rebuilding homes and buildings;
``(C) replanting locally adapted native trees and
plants;
``(D) restoring habitat;
``(E) stabilizing shorelines and hillsides; and
``(F) remediating and reclaiming devastated land
left by extractive industries.
``(7) Developing and implementing conservation projects
with climate benefits that are proven using the best available
science, which may include--
``(A) conserving, protecting, and restoring
habitat, especially habitat to threatened, endangered,
and at-risk species;
``(B) stabilizing shorelines or riparian areas
using green infrastructure such as native wetlands;
``(C) removing invasive species and planting
locally adapted native species;
``(D) collecting, storing, and propagating native
seeds and plant materials;
``(E) removing hazardous fuels within one-quarter
mile of dwellings and homes or one-quarter mile around
delineated communities;
``(F) planting and maintaining urban, tribal, and
rural forests, trees, native grasslands, and natural
areas;
``(G) developing urban farms and gardens;
``(H) reforestation of native forest ecosystems,
afforestation, and other projects to achieve
demonstrable carbon sinks;
``(I) reclaiming unneeded roads and tracks and
restoring affected lands to natural conditions;
``(J) restoring and managing wildlife corridors and
habitat connectivity for native species, including
building wildlife crossings and removing barriers to
wildlife movement; and
``(K) assisting farmers and ranchers in a
transition to more regenerative farming and ranching
systems.
``(8) Additional projects to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions to keep temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius above
pre-industrialized levels, tackle pollution to promote
environmental justice, and build community prosperity and
resilience in the face of the climate crisis and economic
transitions, as determined by the Director and in consultation
with the Advisory Board.
``(b) Permanent Improvement to Real Property Permitted.--The
service projects carried out by the national climate service program
and recipients of grants from the national climate service grant
program are permitted to expend funds under this subtitle that make
permanent improvement to real property not owned by the United States
Government, as long as labor for that improvement is undertaken by
Civilian Climate Corps members.
``SEC. 199U. TRAINING.
``(a) Common Curriculum.--Each member of the Civilian Climate Corps
shall be provided with between two and six weeks of training that
includes a comprehensive service-leaning curriculum designed to promote
team building, leadership, citizenship, and environmental stewardship.
The Director shall consult with the advisory board to ensure that, to
the extent practicable, training is consistent for each member of the
Civilian Climate Corps.
``(b) Advanced Service Training.--Members of the Civilian Climate
Corps shall receive advanced training in basic, project-specific skills
that the members will use in performing their community service
projects.
``(c) Training Part of Service.--Time undertaken in training shall
be considered part of the service performed by members of the Civilian
Climate Corps, and the living allowance authorized in section 199S(b)
shall incorporate training hours into wage calculations.
``(d) Career and Technical Education.--
``(1) In general.--Each member of the Civilian Climate
Corps shall be provided with at least 4 weeks of training to
improve job prospects in the clean economy workforce.
``(2) Focus.--Training may be separate or alongside Corps
activities, and may include a focus on energy conservation,
environmental stewardship or conservation, infrastructure
improvement, sustainable urban and rural development, climate
resiliency needs, or other appropriate topics. Training should
include opportunities to earn professional certificates,
wherever practicable. Training may also include professional
development, such as resume and cover letter writing,
networking, and personal financial management.
``(3) Follow up services and data collection.--
``(A) Services.--Following the termination of
service, members of the Civilian Climate Corps who do
not enroll as full-time students shall receive between
9 and 12 months of follow-up services to encourage
career progression, in a manner determined by the
Director.
``(B) Data collection.--The Director shall collect
information about the career progression of former
members of the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(4) Consultation.--The Director shall consult with the
advisory board to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to
make training specific to local workforce and labor market
needs, including coordination and partnerships with other
entities including local labor groups and career and technical
education schools, and that academic credit may be received
where possible.
``(5) Pre-apprenticeship pipeline.--The Director shall
consult with the advisory board to ensure that entities
receiving funds under this subtitle prioritize the formation of
relationships with local apprenticeship programs and the
creation of pre-apprenticeship pipelines.
``(e) Coordination With Other Entities.--The Civilian Climate Corps
may provide, either directly or through grants, contracts, or
cooperative agreements, the advanced service training referred to in
subsection (b) and the career and technical education training referred
to in subsection (c) in coordination with career and technical
education schools, community colleges, labor groups, other employment
and training providers, existing service programs, other qualified
individual, or organizations with expertise in training individuals,
including disadvantaged individuals, in the skills described in such
subsection.
``SEC. 199V. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
``(a) Supervision.--The Chief Executive Officer shall monitor and
supervise the Civilian Climate Corps authorized to be established under
section 199P. In carrying out this section, the Chief Executive Officer
shall--
``(1) approve such guidelines, including those recommended
by the advisory board, for design, selection of members,
operation of the national climate service program, and
distribution of grants to Civilian Climate Corps Partners;
``(2) evaluate the progress of the Civilian Climate Corps,
including programs carried out by the Partner Corps entities,
in accomplishing the purpose set forth in section 199O; and
``(3) carry out any other activities determined appropriate
by the advisory board.
``(b) Monitoring and Coordination.--The Chief Executive Officer
shall--
``(1) monitor the overall operation of the Civilian Climate
Corps;
``(2) coordinate the activities of the Corps with other
service and grant programs administered by the Corporation; and
``(3) carry out any other activities determined appropriate
by the advisory board.
``(c) Staff.--
``(1) Director.--
``(A) Appointment.--Upon establishment of the
Program, the Chief Executive Officer shall appoint a
Director.
``(B) Duties.--The Director shall--
``(i) design, develop, and administer the
Civilian Climate Corps;
``(ii) be responsible for managing daily
operations of the national climate service
program and national climate service grant
program; and
``(iii) report to the Chief Executive
Officer.
``(2) Authority to employ staff.--The Director may employ
such staff as is necessary to carry out this subtitle using
funds available for this subtitle or generally available to the
Corporation for the employment of staff. The Director shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, utilize in staff positions
personnel who are detailed from departments and agencies of the
Federal Government and, to the extent the Director considers
appropriate, shall request and accept detail of personnel from
such departments and agencies in order to do so.
``(d) Labor Relations.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Employer and employee status.--The Civilian
Climate Corps shall be the employer of its members, and
such members shall be the employees of the Civilian
Climate Corps, for purposes under this subsection of
organizing a labor organization, collective bargaining,
and other employee-management relations.
``(B) Director responsibilities.--To the extent
practicable, the Director shall ensure, in consultation
with the Civilian Climate Corps Advisory Board
established under section 199X, that all members of the
Civilian Climate Corps are provided the opportunity to
join a labor organization, as applicable, during the
term of their service. Such a labor organization shall,
to the greatest extent practicable, be local and
relevant to the service provided by such members.
``(C) Employee-management relations provisions.--
With respect to employee-management relations of the
Civilian Climate Corps and its members, the following
shall apply:
``(i) Employee-management relations shall,
to the extent not inconsistent with the
provisions in this subtitle, be subject to the
provisions that apply to the employee-
management relations of the United States
Postal Service and its employees under part II
of title 39, United States Code.
``(ii) The Civilian Climate Corps shall
remain neutral in any labor organization
organizing effort.
``(iii) The Civilian Climate Corps shall
recognize for collective bargaining purposes,
and shall collectively bargain with, any labor
organization that has a written majority
authorization of a unit encompassing all
members of the Civilian Climate Corps or any
other unit determined appropriate by the
National Labor Relations Board.
``(iv) Members of the Civilian Climate
Corps shall have the right to strike, and the
Civilian Climate Corps shall not discharge,
discipline, or permanently replace members for
striking.
``(2) Commencement of collective bargaining.--Not later
than 10 days after receiving a written request for collective
bargaining from a labor organization that has been newly
recognized or certified as a representative under section 9(a)
of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(a)) of
members of the Civilian Climate Corps, or within such further
period as the parties agree upon, the parties shall meet and
commence to bargain collectively and shall make every
reasonable effort to conclude and sign a collective bargaining
agreement.
``(3) Mediation and conciliation for failure to reach a
collective bargaining agreement.--
``(A) In general.--If the parties have failed to
reach an agreement before the date that is 90 days
after the date on which bargaining is commenced under
paragraph (2), or any later date agreed upon by both
parties, either party may notify the Director of the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of the
existence of a dispute and request mediation.
``(B) Federal mediation and conciliation service.--
Whenever a request is received under subparagraph (A),
the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Service shall promptly communicate with the parties and
use best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to
bring them to agreement.
``(4) Tripartite arbitration panel.--
``(A) In general.--If the Director of the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service is not able to bring
the parties to agreement by mediation or conciliation
before the date that is 30 days after the date on which
such mediation or conciliation is commenced, or any
later date agreed upon by both parties, the Director of
the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall
refer the dispute to a tripartite arbitration panel
established in accordance with such regulations as may
be prescribed by the Director of the Federal Mediation
and Conciliation Service, with one member selected by
the labor organization, one member selected by the
Civilian Climate Corps, and one neutral member mutually
agreed to by the parties.
``(B) Dispute settlement.--A majority of the
tripartite arbitration panel shall render a decision
settling the dispute and such decision shall be binding
upon the parties for a period of 2 years, unless
amended during such period by written consent of the
parties. Such decision shall be based on--
``(i) the financial status and prospects of
the Civilian Climate Corps;
``(ii) the size and type of the operations
and business of the Civilian Climate Corps;
``(iii) the cost of living of members of
the Civilian Climate Corps;
``(iv) the ability of members of the
Civilian Climate Corps to sustain themselves,
their families, and their dependents on the
wages and benefits they earn from the Civilian
Climate Corps; and
``(v) the wages and benefits that 7 other
employers engaged in similar activities as the
Civilian Climate Corps provide their employees.
``(5) Prohibition on subcontracting for certain purposes.--
The Civilian Climate Corps, and any recipient of funding under
section 199R, may not engage in subcontracting for the purpose
of circumventing the terms of a collective bargaining agreement
with respect to wages, benefits, or working conditions.
``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Parties.--The term `parties' means--
``(i) a labor organization that is newly
recognized or certified as a representative
under section 9(a) of the National Labor
Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(a)) of members of
the Civilian Climate Corps; and
``(ii) the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(B) Written majority authorization.--The term
`written majority authorization' means writings signed
and dated by a majority of members of the Civilian
Climate Corps in a unit described in paragraph
(1)(C)(iii) in the form of authorization cards,
petitions, or other suitable written evidence to
designate a labor organization as the representative of
such members for the purpose of collective bargaining.
``SEC. 199W. STATUS OF CORPS MEMBERS AND CORPS PERSONNEL UNDER FEDERAL
LAW.
``(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section,
members of the Civilian Climate Corps shall not, by reason of their
status as such members, be considered Federal employees or be subject
to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment.
``(b) Work-Related Injuries.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of subchapter I of chapter
81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to the compensation
of Federal employees for work injuries, participants in active
service in the national climate service program under section
199Q shall be considered as employees of the United States
within the meaning of the term `employee', as defined in
section 8101 of such title.
``(2) Special rule.--In the application of the provisions
of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code,
to a person referred to in paragraph (1), the person shall not
be considered to be in the performance of duty while absent
from the person's assigned post of duty unless the absence is
authorized in accordance with procedures prescribed by the
Director.
``(c) Tort Claims Procedure.--A participant in active service in
the national climate service program under section 199Q shall be
considered an employee of the United States for purposes of chapter 171
of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort claims liability and
procedure.
``(d) Labor Relations.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Employer and employee status.--The Civilian
Climate Corps shall be the employer of its members, and
such members shall be the employees of the Civilian
Climate Corps, for purposes under this subsection of
organizing a labor organization, collective bargaining,
and other employee-management relations.
``(B) Director responsibilities.--To the extent
practicable, the Director shall ensure, in consultation
with the Civilian Climate Corps Advisory Board
established under section 199X, that all members of the
Civilian Climate Corps are provided the opportunity to
join a labor organization, as applicable, during the
term of their service. Such a labor organization shall,
to the greatest extent practicable, be local and
relevant to the service provided by such members.
``(C) Employee-management relations provisions.--
With respect to employee-management relations of the
Civilian Climate Corps and its members, the following
shall apply:
``(i) Employee-management relations shall,
to the extent not inconsistent with the
provisions in this subtitle, be subject to the
provisions that apply to the employee-
management relations of the United States
Postal Service and its employees under part II
of title 39, United States Code.
``(ii) The Civilian Climate Corps shall
remain neutral in any labor organization
organizing effort.
``(iii) The Civilian Climate Corps shall
recognize for collective bargaining purposes,
and shall collectively bargain with, any labor
organization that has a written majority
authorization of a unit encompassing all
members of the Civilian Climate Corps or any
other unit determined appropriate by the
National Labor Relations Board.
``(iv) Members of the Civilian Climate
Corps shall have the right to strike, and the
Civilian Climate Corps shall not discharge,
discipline, or permanently replace members for
striking.
``(2) Commencement of collective bargaining.--Not later
than 10 days after receiving a written request for collective
bargaining from a labor organization that has been newly
recognized or certified as a representative under section 9(a)
of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(a)) of
members of the Civilian Climate Corps, or within such further
period as the parties agree upon, the parties shall meet and
commence to bargain collectively and shall make every
reasonable effort to conclude and sign a collective bargaining
agreement.
``(3) Mediation and conciliation for failure to reach a
collective bargaining agreement.--
``(A) In general.--If the parties have failed to
reach an agreement before the date that is 90 days
after the date on which bargaining is commenced under
paragraph (2), or any later date agreed upon by both
parties, either party may notify the Director of the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of the
existence of a dispute and request mediation.
``(B) Federal mediation and conciliation service.--
Whenever a request is received under subparagraph (A),
the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Service shall promptly communicate with the parties and
use best efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to
bring them to agreement.
``(4) Tripartite arbitration panel.--
``(A) In general.--If the Director of the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service is not able to bring
the parties to agreement by mediation or conciliation
before the date that is 30 days after the date on which
such mediation or conciliation is commenced, or any
later date agreed upon by both parties, the Director of
the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service shall
refer the dispute to a tripartite arbitration panel
established in accordance with such regulations as may
be prescribed by the Director of the Federal Mediation
and Conciliation Service, with one member selected by
the labor organization, one member selected by the
Civilian Climate Corps, and one neutral member mutually
agreed to by the parties.
``(B) Dispute settlement.--A majority of the
tripartite arbitration panel shall render a decision
settling the dispute and such decision shall be binding
upon the parties for a period of 2 years, unless
amended during such period by written consent of the
parties. Such decision shall be based on--
``(i) the financial status and prospects of
the Civilian Climate Corps;
``(ii) the size and type of the operations
and business of the Civilian Climate Corps;
``(iii) the cost of living of members of
the Civilian Climate Corps;
``(iv) the ability of members of the
Civilian Climate Corps to sustain themselves,
their families, and their dependents on the
wages and benefits they earn from the Civilian
Climate Corps; and
``(v) the wages and benefits that 7 other
employers engaged in similar activities as the
Civilian Climate Corps provide their employees.
``(5) Prohibition on subcontracting for certain purposes.--
The Civilian Climate Corps, and any recipient of funding under
section 199R, may not engage in subcontracting for the purpose
of circumventing the terms of a collective bargaining agreement
with respect to wages, benefits, or working conditions.
``(6) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Parties.--The term `parties' means--
``(i) a labor organization that is newly
recognized or certified as a representative
under section 9(a) of the National Labor
Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 159(a)) of members of
the Civilian Climate Corps; and
``(ii) the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(B) Written majority authorization.--The term
`written majority authorization' means writings signed
and dated by a majority of members of the Civilian
Climate Corps in a unit described in paragraph
(1)(C)(iii) in the form of authorization cards,
petitions, or other suitable written evidence to
designate a labor organization as the representative of
such members for the purpose of collective bargaining.
``SEC. 199X. ADVISORY BOARD.
``(a) Establishment and Purpose.--There shall be established a
Civilian Climate Corps Advisory Board to advise the Director concerning
the administration of this subtitle and to assist the Corps in
achieving the goals of section 199O. The Advisory Board members shall
help coordinate activities with the national climate service program
and national climate service grant program as appropriate, including
training coordination and capacity building for grant applications.
``(b) Membership.--The Advisory Board shall be composed of the
following members:
``(1) The Secretary of Labor.
``(2) Representatives from at least 2 labor organizations.
``(3) The Secretary of Energy.
``(4) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
``(5) At least two individuals appointed by the Director
from among persons representative of community organizations in
under-resourced communities of need.
``(6) At least one representative from a Indian tribe or
indigenous community.
``(7) At least two individuals appointed by the Director
from among persons representative of leadership in
organizations representing communities of color.
``(8) The Secretary of Transportation.
``(9) The Chief of the Forest Service.
``(10) The Secretary of the Interior.
``(11) The Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
``(12) The Secretary of Agriculture.
``(13) The Secretary of Education.
``(14) The Secretary of Defense.
``(15) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
``(16) The Chief of the National Guard Bureau.
``(17) The Secretary of Commerce.
``(18) The Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
``(19) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
``(20) The Chairman of the National Endowment of the Arts.
``(21) Individuals appointed by the Director from among
persons who are broadly representative of educational
institutions, voluntary organizations, public and private
organizations, youth, scientific experts, and environmental
justice organizations.
``(22) The Chief Executive Officer.
``(c) Duties.--
``(1) Oversee effective program implementation.--The
advisory board shall oversee effective implementation of the
Civilian Climate Corps in accordance with the Climate Corps
roadmap under section 199Y, which shall include--
``(A) collecting data and reporting on Corps
activity based on the benchmarks for success determined
in section 199Y(b)(4);
``(B) ensuring that resources are distributed to
advance the program's principles of equity and
environmental justice;
``(C) expanding on and providing resources for
grantee training, expertise development, and grant
application capacity building in under-resourced
communities of need;
``(D) liaising with Federal agencies to coordinate
grants to fulfil needs for Civilian Climate Corps
labor; and
``(E) ensuring unity of message and purpose across
the Civilian Climate Corps, including with Civilian
Climate Corps Partners.
``(2) Organize green careers opportunities.--The advisory
board shall assist the Chief Executive Officer in organizing
and making available career development resources for the
career and technical education component of the Civilian
Climate Corps, in partnership and cooperation with appropriate
Federal agencies, educational institutions, and labor
organizations, which shall--
``(A) support the development of apprenticeship and
pre-apprenticeship corps programs as a priority of the
Civilian Climate Corps;
``(B) coordinate and organize career training and
financial support opportunities for members of the
Civilian Climate Corps to enter into green career
pathways;
``(C) help expand apprenticeship programs and find
pathways into union jobs for Corps participants;
``(D) mobilize and provide access to support and
retraining for workers displaced by the fossil fuel
industry who participate in Corps programs; and
``(E) create an easy-to-use website and other tools
for the use of Civilian Climate Corps in career and
technical education and planning.
``SEC. 199Y. PLAN FOR CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS.
``(a) Roadmap for the Civilian Climate Corps.--The Chief Executive
Officer shall, with guidance from the advisory board, establish a
roadmap for the Civilian Climate Corps program (referred to in this
section as the `Climate Corps roadmap').
``(b) Contents of Plan.--The Climate Corps roadmap shall include
the following:
``(1) A plan to--
``(A) establish the number of positions in the
national climate service program of the Civilian
Climate Corps as--
``(i) 50,000 for the fiscal year 2021;
``(ii) 100,000 for the fiscal year 2022;
``(iii) 175,000 for the fiscal year 2023;
``(iv) 275,000 for the fiscal year 2024;
and
``(v) 400,000 for the fiscal year 2025;
``(B) establish the number of positions in the
national climate service grant program of the Civilian
Climate Corps as--
``(i) 25,000 for the fiscal year 2021;
``(ii) 50,000 for the fiscal year 2022;
``(iii) 85,000 for the fiscal year 2023;
``(iv) 140,000 for the fiscal year 2024;
and
``(v) 200,000 for the fiscal year 2025; and
``(C) maintain the requirements for serving under-
resourced communities of need in accordance with this
subtitle.
``(2) The identification of Federal programs and agencies
that can engage the labor of the Civilian Climate Corps and
facilitate partnerships and funding relationships.
``(3) Principles of equity and environmental justice to
guide the work of the Civilian Climate Corps.
``(4) Benchmarks for the success of the Civilian Climate
Corps.
``(5) Identification of under-resourced communities of
need, defined as regions and communities most in need of
Civilian Climate Corps labor and workforce development.
``(6) Identification and cataloging of funding streams for
Partners Corps entities.
``(7) Identifying and cataloging of resources for grantee
training, expertise development, and grant application capacity
building for under-resourced communities of need.
``(8) Cataloging work already being done towards climate
resiliency and clean economy transitions to ensure Civilian
Climate Corps efforts are additive and not duplicative.
``(9) A plan to increase the participation of opportunity
youth in the Civilian Climate Corps (defined as `out-of-school
youth' under section 129(a)(1)(B) of the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(a)(1)(B)).
``(c) Implementation.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations and quality service opportunities, the Corporation shall
implement the Climate Corps roadmap, including establishing the
positions described in subsection (b)(1).''.
SEC. 4. PRIORITIZING AND SUPPORTING CLIMATE RESPONSE.
(a) Priorities.--
(1) Americorps state and national.--Section 122(f) of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12572(f))
is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the
end the following: ``The Corporation shall
include, in the national service priorities,
the priorities described in paragraph (5).'';
and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the
end the following: ``Each State shall include,
in the State priorities, the priorities
described in paragraph (5).''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Climate projects.--The priorities established under
paragraph (1) for national service programs shall provide that
the Corporation and the States, as appropriate, shall give
priority to entities submitting applications that propose
activities directly related to the response to the climate
crisis and transition to a clean economy, as described in
section 199T.''.
(2) Americorps nccc.--Section 157(b)(1) of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12617(b)(1)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C) Priority projects.--For fiscal years 2021
through 2030, the Corporation shall give priority to
entities submitting applications for projects under
this subtitle in the same manner as the Corporation
gives priority to entities submitting applications for
national service programs under section 122(f)(5).''.
(3) Americorps vista.--Section 109 of the Domestic
Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4960) is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``For fiscal years 2021
through 2030, the Corporation shall give priority to entities
submitting applications for projects or programs under this
part in the same manner as the Corporation gives priority to
entities submitting applications for national service programs
under section 122(f)(5) of the National and Community Service
Act of 1990.''.
(b) Allowances.--
(1) Domestic volunteer service act of 1973.--Section
105(a)(1)(B) of the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973 (42
U.S.C. 4955(a)(1)(B))) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(B)(i) The Director shall set the subsistence
allowance for volunteers under this paragraph for each
fiscal year so that--
``(I) the minimum allowance is not less
than an amount equal to the equivalent of $15
per hour over the course of service; and
``(II) the average subsistence allowance,
excluding allowances for Hawaii, Guam, American
Samoa, and Alaska, is not less than 10 percent
greater than the amount described in subclause
(I).
``(ii) A stipend or allowance under this section or
an allowance under section 140 of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12594) shall
not be increased, unless the funds appropriated for
carrying out this part or subtitle C of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et
seq.), respectively, are sufficient to increase for the
fiscal year involved the number of participants to
serve under this part or that subtitle C, respectively,
so that such number is greater than the number of such
participants so serving during the preceding fiscal
year.''.
(2) National and community service act of 1990.--Section
158(b) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12618(b)) is amended, in the second sentence, by
striking ``any amount not in excess of the amount equal to 100
percent of the poverty line that is applicable to a family of
two (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and
revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the
Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))'' and
inserting ``any amount not less than the equivalent of $15 per
hour over the course of service and not in excess of the
equivalent of $30 per hour over the course of service.''.
(3) National service educational awards.--Section 147(a) of
the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12603(a)) is amended by inserting ``twice'' before ``the
maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant''.
(c) Matching Funds.--Section 121(e)(1) of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571(e)(1)) is amended by
striking ``75 percent'' and inserting ``100 percent''.
SEC. 5. SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Funding for the Civilian Climate Corps.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out subtitle K of the National and Community Service Act
of 1990, as added by section 3 of this Act, (excluding the
benefits described in paragraphs (2) and (3)), $70,000,000,000
for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
(2) Funding for educational benefits.--There are authorized
to be appropriated for the educational benefits described in
section 199S of the National and Community Service Act of 1990,
as added by section 3, $37,500,000,000 for fiscal years 2021
through 2025.
(3) Funding for health care benefits.--There are authorized
to be appropriated for the health care benefits described in
section 199S of the National and Community Service Act of 1990,
as added by section 3, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal
years 2021 through 2025.
(b) Americorps State and National; Educational Awards.--Section
501(a)(2) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12681(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``each of fiscal years 2010 through
2014'' and all that follows through the end of the paragraph and
inserting ``fiscal years 2021 through 2025, in addition to any amount
appropriated before the date of enactment of the Civilian Climate Corps
Act, additional amounts of--
``(A) $5,000,000,000, to provide financial
assistance under subtitle C of title I; and
``(B) $3,000,000,000, to provide national service
educational awards under subtitle D of title I for the
total of the number of participants described in
section 121(f)(1) for fiscal years 2020 through
2023.''.
(c) Administration by the Corporation and State Commissions.--
Section 501(a)(5) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 12681(a)(5)) is amended in
subparagraph (A), by striking ``such sums as may be necessary for each
of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.'' and inserting ``in addition to any
amount appropriated before the date of enactment of the Civilian
Climate Corps Act, an additional amount of $5,000,000,000 for fiscal
years 2021 through 2025.''.
(d) Americorps NCCC.--Section 501(a)(3)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
12681(a)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``such sums as may be necessary
for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.'' and inserting ``in
addition to any amount appropriated before the date of enactment of the
Civilian Climate Corps Act, an additional amount of $1,000,000,000 for
fiscal years 2021 through 2025.''.
(e) Americorps Vista.--Section 501 of the Domestic Volunteer
Service Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 5081) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``$100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for each of
the fiscal years 2011 through 2014.'' and inserting ``, in
addition to any amount appropriated before the date of
enactment of the Civilian Climate Corps Act, an additional
amount of $1,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2021 through 2025.'';
and
(2) in subsection (d), by striking the period and inserting
``, except that any amount authorized to be appropriated under
an amendment made by the Civilian Climate Corps Act shall
remain available for obligation through fiscal year 2025.''.
SEC. 6. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME OF NATIONAL SERVICE EDUCATIONAL
AWARDS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 117(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B),
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting a comma, and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(D) subtitle D of title I of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et seq.)
as an educational award, or
``(E) subtitle K of title I of such Act as an
educational benefit.''.
(b) Exclusion of Discharge of Student Loan Debt.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (4) of section 108(f) of such
Code is amended--
(A) by striking ``received under'' and inserting
``received--
``(A) under'', and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``, or
``(B) under subtitle D of title I of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12601 et
seq.) as an and educational award or under subtitle K
of title I of such Act as an educational benefit.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The heading for paragraph (4) of
section 108(f) of such Code is amended by striking ``under
national health service corps loan repayment program and
certain state loan repayment programs'' and inserting ``under
certain loan repayment programs''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
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