BURIEN — U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle, touted new legislation Thursday in Burien to establish and fund a federal office in the White House that would promote climate resilience by creating and supporting green jobs in vulnerable communities nationwide.
The Climate Resilience Act for WorkforceThis bill, co-sponsored and supported by dozens of House Democrats, and a number of local and national organizations and community group groups, would invest to create jobs in communities at the frontlines of climate change’s worst effects.
Jayapal stated that we are already experiencing the devastating effects of climate change. He spoke at a Burien news conference.
If passed, President Joe Biden will establish the Office of Climate Resilience (in six months) and appoint an administrator to serve a term of 5 years. This office would work in coordination with scientists, labor organizations, and front-line communities to lead federal efforts to increase the country’s adaptability to rising temperatures caused by fossil fuels.
Jayapal stated that my bill creates an equitable, skilled workforce with millions centered in the most impacted communities to prepare for and respond, and build a stronger and greener society.
Jayapal stated that job development programs will include both past and current incarcerated persons as well as undocumented immigrant workers, who she believes will play a crucial role in climate resilience.
Jayapals plan’s political prospects and the price tag are still unknown.
The congresswoman’s proposal was submitted to Congress in January. It was only weeks after Bidens Build Back Better Act, a $2.2 billion package to reform the county’s climate change and social policies, was derailled by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Virginia), who withdrew his support due to budget concerns among other reasons.
The Climate Resilience Workforce Act (House Resolution 6492) was referred to House Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry In February,.
Evlyn Andrade (executive director of Earthcorps), a non-profit based in Seattle, spoke Thursday in Burien.
Burien has seen an increase in pollution and flooding in recent years, just like many other parts of the country. Burien was the first state to adopt a Climate Action Plan in November. It aims to achieve carbon neutrality within the next 30 years by reducing greenhouse gas emission and strengthening its ability respond to climate change.
Warming temperatures caused by greenhouse gas emissions have also contributed to sea level rise, wildfires and heat waves elsewhere in the state.
There’s a dire need to center the communities most impacted by the crisis, Andrade said. This bill supports and creates millions of jobs that give priority to front-line community members.