Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today approved the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. With the late U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), U.S. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the bipartisan legislation to place youth and returning veterans in national service positions to protect, restore, and enhance America’s great outdoors. The bill would amend the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps.
“The 21st Century Conservation Corps will create a much-needed pathway to meaningful careers in conservation for America’s youth and veterans,” said Bennet. “It was a privilege to work with Senator McCain on this legislation, which will honor his legacy of service by developing the next generation of leaders to protect and enhance our public lands.”
“On behalf of the Corps community in Colorado and around the country, thank you Sen. Bennet for your leadership on the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act. We look forward to seeing a version of the 21CSC Act signed into law that supports engaging more young adults and veterans in national service positions focused on conserving and maintaining the public lands and waters of Colorado and our nation,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “As the late Sen. John McCain wrote with Gen. Stanley McChrystal, ‘We are convinced that, if [national service] experiences are made available to young people, they will embrace them for what they are — occasions to elevate the nation while elevating themselves.’ It is our hope to see a strong 21CSC Act signed into law this year in honor of Sen. McCain’s commitment to expanding opportunities for military, national and public service.”
More information about the legislation is available HERE.