Civilian Climate Corps for Jobs and Justice Act
Creates a Civilian Climate Corps to carry out climate and disaster projects while providing members with pay, training, and other benefits.
In two House committees since Sept. 24, 2026, 14 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROSEP 24, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Communities need workers to address climate impacts and make the transition to cleaner energy. The measure would create a Civilian Climate Corps that puts members and partner organizations to work on climate and disaster projects. It would provide members with pay, training, and other benefits, and direct much of the work and grant support to under-resourced communities.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Establishes a climate service corps
The Corporation would run a national service program and a grant program for partner organizations. People who are at least 17 by December 31 of the year they enroll could participate, regardless of immigration status.
- Supports climate and disaster projects
Corps members and grant-funded partners could work on projects such as building energy efficiency, clean energy, conservation, pollution cleanup, disaster preparation and recovery, and community resilience. At least half of the labor and investment in the national program, and at least half of grant-program funds, would support projects in under-resourced communities; a portion of that support is reserved for projects in Indian country.
- Provides pay, health, and education benefits
Members would receive a living allowance of at least the equivalent of $20 per hour, with higher wage rules for some construction and service work. Benefits could also include health coverage support, child care and other services, and up to $25,000 per service term for college costs or eligible student-loan repayment.
- Requires training and career support
Members would receive service and job training, including at least four weeks of career and technical training. Members who do not enroll as full-time students would receive 9 to 12 months of follow-up services after their service ends.
- Sets labor and additional climate policies
The measure would set rules on Corps members’ organizing and collective bargaining rights, contractor pay, and domestic purchasing. Later sections cover climate-response priorities, supplemental appropriations, and the tax treatment of national service educational awards; the text available here gives no further details about those sections.
The bill’s findings cite extreme weather and disasters, disproportionate climate and pollution burdens in some communities, and a need for workers to help communities adapt and transition to a clean economy. The findings say the United States experienced 23 major disasters in 2025, each costing over $1 billion, with total costs of at least $115 billion.
The measure would pair climate-related projects with paid service, training, and career pathways. Its pay, health, education, and labor provisions would also shape the costs and working conditions of the proposed Corps.
Written from an excerpt of the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedSEP 24, 2026HOUSESEP 24, 2026By Rep. Ocasio-Cortez with 36 original cosponsorsReferred to Education and Workforce and Ways and Means
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesSEP 24, 2026EDUCATION & WORKFORCE · WAYS & MEANS NOWSEP 24, 2026In committee for 14 daysNo hearing yet
- 14 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026REFERREDReferred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.
- SEP 242026SEP 24, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 14, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
A coalition from 20 states
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Ocasio-Cortez’s record: sponsored 13 bills this Congress. 0 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Becca BalintD-VT-ALORIGINAL
- Nanette Diaz BarragánD-CA-44ORIGINAL
- Suzanne BonamiciD-OR-1ORIGINAL
- Salud O. CarbajalD-CA-24ORIGINAL
- Greg CasarD-TX-35ORIGINAL
- Emanuel CleaverD-MO-5ORIGINAL
- Steve CohenD-TN-9ORIGINAL
- Jasmine CrockettD-TX-30ORIGINAL
- Maxine DexterD-OR-3ORIGINAL
- Debbie DingellD-MI-6ORIGINAL
- Lloyd DoggettD-TX-37ORIGINAL
- Maxwell FrostD-FL-10ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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