Restore Environmental Vitality and Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps Act or the REVIVE the CCC Act
This bill permits AmeriCorps to establish the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to address unemployment and environmental conservation and requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural workforce development program to incentivize apprenticeships in agriculture.
The CCC must make grants to local host entities to allow those entities to select applicants to participate in conservation-related service projects. Local entities eligible for grants include, among others, state and local offices, nonprofit organizations, sponsors of apprenticeship programs, and individual farmers. A prospective CCC member must apply for placement with an approved local host for a service position hosted by that local entity. Applicants selected are considered CCC members but are not considered employees of the local host.
The local host must provide CCC members with an allowance of $15 per hour of service and must provide a basic healthcare plan to full-time members. A CCC member who completes a term of service with a local host may be eligible to receive an award of up to $5,000 from AmeriCorps towards the costs of an apprenticeship program. These awards and allowances are not considered income for purposes of federal income taxation.
The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to establish an agricultural workforce development program to encourage agricultural businesses to employ apprentices by reimbursing up to 50% of apprenticeship costs.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5191 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 5191
To amend the National and Community Service Act of 1990 to establish a
national service program that provides conservation opportunities on
public and private lands, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 7, 2021
Mr. Lamb (for himself, Ms. Wild, Mr. Evans, and Ms. Kuster) 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
national service program that provides conservation opportunities on
public and private lands, 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 ``Restore Environmental Vitality and
Improve Volatile Economy by the Civilian Conservation Corps Act'' or
the ``REVIVE the CCC Act''.
SEC. 2. CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle E of title I of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12611 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by striking the heading for subtitle E and inserting
the following:
``Subtitle E--National Corps
``CHAPTER 1--NATIONAL CIVILIAN COMMUNITY CORPS'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``CHAPTER 2--CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
``SEC. 166. CIVILIAN CONSERVATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this chapter are--
``(1) to help relieve the widespread distress and
unemployment in the United States;
``(2) to train and support career advancement, leading to
long-term employment opportunities;
``(3) to provide for the restoration of depleted natural
resources in the United States;
``(4) to conserve and improve community natural resources;
``(5) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester
carbon; and
``(6) to enhance climate change adaptation and resilience.
``(b) Definitions.--In this chapter:
``(1) Corporation.--The term `Corporation' means the
Corporation (as defined in section 101), or a partner described
in subsection (d), to the extent provided in the memorandum
referred to in subsection (d).
``(2) Corps.--The term `Corps' means the Civilian
Conservation Corps established under subsection (c).
``(3) Eligible host entity.--The term `eligible host
entity' means an organization, entity, or individual that--
``(A) administers the program at the local level;
and
``(B) supervises Corps members in partnership and
coordination with the Corporation, including the
relevant partnering Federal agency specified in the
memorandum for the issue area addressed by the program
at the local level.
``(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the same meaning given
such term in sections 101(a) and 102(a)(1) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a), 1002(a)(1)).
``(5) Partnering federal agency.--The term `partnering
Federal agency' means a Federal agency described in subsection
(d)(1).
``(6) Program.--The term `program' means the Civilian
Conservation program established under subsection (c).
``(7) State coordinating agency.--The term `State
coordinating agency' means an agency in a State--
``(A) that is selected by the State to coordinate,
subject to the memorandum described in subsection (d),
the implementation of activities under this chapter at
eligible worksites in the State, including providing
services through State agencies and coordinating access
to training (including technical instruction) and
educational resources for Corps members;
``(B) may be a State department of environmental
protection, natural resources, or agriculture, or other
department or commission (as determined by the
Corporation); and
``(C) that coordinates and partners with Tribal
agencies (such as Tribal departments of environmental
protection, natural resources, or agriculture)
regarding the implementation of activities under this
chapter at eligible worksites associated with a Tribe
(including for the provision of services through Tribal
agencies), if the Corporation determines such
coordination and partnership is relevant for the State.
``(c) Establishment of Civilian Conservation Corps and Program.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Corps.--The Corporation (as defined in
section 101) may establish a Civilian Conservation
Corps.
``(B) Program.--The Corporation (as defined in
subsection (b)) may establish and administer a Civilian
Conservation program, to place unemployed and
underemployed citizens of the United States in service
positions related to conservation, including
conservation of private and public lands.
``(2) Conservation service positions.--The program shall
provide conservation service positions, and training (including
technical instruction) and education related to such service
positions, in order to support--
``(A) the protection, enhancement, and restoration
of natural resources;
``(B) climate change mitigation and adaptation;
``(C) investment in future generations of farmers,
foresters, ranchers, conservationists, and other
stewards of the Nation's shared natural resources;
``(D) the establishment, improvement, and
rehabilitation of public outdoor recreation amenities
and infrastructure; or
``(E) the reduction of environmental health
disparities in communities of color, low-income
communities, and Tribal and indigenous communities,
that are experiencing disproportionate exposure to
environmental harms and risks.
``(d) Administration.--The program shall be administered, as
specified in a memorandum of understanding, by the Corporation (as
defined in section 101), in partnership with--
``(1) applicable Federal agencies with the relevant issue
area expertise and standards, such as the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of the Interior; and
``(2) applicable State or Tribal agencies with the relevant
issue area expertise and standards, such as the State or Tribal
agencies with jurisdiction over agriculture, natural resources,
or environmental protection.
``(e) Grants to Eligible Host Entities.--
``(1) In general.--In carrying out the program, the
Corporation shall make grants to entities that own, operate,
manage, or support work on eligible worksites, to serve as
eligible host entities, and to administer the program at the
local level.
``(2) Waiver of cost sharing requirement.--
``(A) In general.--In the event of a covered
project carried out by an eligible host entity to which
the cost sharing requirement under section 212(a)(1) of
the Public Land Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C.
1729(a)(1)) would otherwise apply, notwithstanding that
requirement, a grant under this subsection, combined
with funds received under an Act described in
subparagraph (B), may be used to fund costs of the
project greater than 75 percent of the cost of such
project.
``(B) Covered project.--In this paragraph, the term
`covered project' means a project carried out pursuant
to--
``(i) title I of the Act entitled `An Act
to establish a pilot program in the Departments
of the Interior and Agriculture designated as
the Youth Conservation Corps, and for other
purposes', approved August 13, 1970 (commonly
known as the `Youth Conservation Corps Act of
1970'; 16 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); or
``(ii) the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993
(16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.).
``(f) Eligible Host Entities and Worksites.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
subsection (e) and become an eligible host entity, an entity
shall own, operate, manage, or support work on an eligible
worksite for a Corps project.
``(2) Entities.--Entities eligible to receive such a grant
and become an eligible host entity may include--
``(A) the board in charge of a local conservation
district;
``(B) a State or local office of the Cooperative
Extension System or an equivalent Tribal office;
``(C) an individual farmer;
``(D) a nonprofit organization, farmer membership
organization, or other agriculture group, with
conservation expertise, that can place a Corps member
on an individual farm;
``(E) a State or Tribal agency with jurisdiction
over agriculture or natural resources;
``(F) the trustee of a land trust;
``(G) a forest or environmental consultant;
``(H) the sponsor of an apprenticeship program that
has been registered by the Department of Labor, a State
office of apprenticeship, or an equivalent Tribal
office;
``(I) an entity that hosts a Corps member under a
service program, including--
``(i) a program authorized under--
``(I) this Act, including the
Healthy Futures Corps described in
section 122;
``(II) title I of the Act entitled
`An Act to establish a pilot program in
the Departments of the Interior and
Agriculture designated as the Youth
Conservation Corps, and for other
purposes', approved August 13, 1970
(commonly known as the `Youth
Conservation Corps Act of 1970'; 16
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); or
``(III) the Public Lands Corps Act
of 1993 (16 U.S.C. 1721 et seq.);
``(ii) a program of the Indian Youth
Service Corps authorized under section 210 of
the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (16 U.S.C.
1727b); and
``(iii) a program of the Urban Youth Corps
authorized under section 106 of the National
and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (42
U.S.C. 12656);
``(J) a local agriculture, conservation, watershed,
or wildlife nonprofit organization;
``(K) a State or Tribal park or forest foundation;
and
``(L) another appropriate entity, as determined by
the Corporation.
``(3) Worksites.--
``(A) Public or certain private land.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible worksite
shall be located on public land or on private
land determined to be eligible under clause
(ii).
``(ii) Eligibility on private lands.--In
the case of a proposed worksite located on
private land, the Corporation, in consultation
with the partnering Federal agencies described
in subsection (d)(1), shall determine whether
the site is an eligible worksite for purposes
of this paragraph by determining the adequacy
of the public conservation benefit of the
related Corps project. In determining the
adequacy of that benefit, the Corporation may
consider, among other factors, the project's
ability to address core State, Tribal, or local
conservation objectives such as addressing land
conservation priorities, promoting climate
resiliency, fulfilling watershed plans,
establishing stream buffers, restoring critical
wildlife habitat, or promoting agricultural
best management practices.
``(iii) Worksite predominantly located on
private land.--A proposed worksite that is
predominantly located on private land will be
treated as a proposed worksite located on
private land for purposes of clause (ii).
``(B) Eligibility of proposed worksite in
environmental justice area.--In the case of a proposed
worksite located in an environmental justice area
identified under subsection (j), the Corporation shall
determine whether the site is an eligible worksite
under this subsection by determining--
``(i) the benefits of the related Corps
project for the health of the community living
in the environmental justice area, and whether
those benefits are equitably distributed within
such community, including the ability of the
project to--
``(I) effect reductions in
hazardous air pollutants;
``(II) improve water quality,
access, and affordability;
``(III) increase access to green
space and outdoor recreation; or
``(IV) expand access to and
affordability of healthy food; and
``(ii) whether the proposed host entity can
demonstrate there was a meaningful public
involvement process in the development of the
proposed Corps project.
``(g) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--In order for an entity described in
subsection (f) to be eligible to receive a grant under
subsection (e) for a Corps project, an entity shall submit an
application to the Corporation at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Corporation may require,
including--
``(A) information describing the Corps project to
be carried out at the entity's eligible worksite;
``(B)(i) information describing any contracts or
agreements, with the State in which the entity is
located or Indian tribe with which the entity is
associated, that will be necessary to enter into under
paragraph (3), in conjunction with the project; and
``(ii) an assurance that the entity will carry out
the project in cooperation with agencies who receive
such a contract or agreement;
``(C) whether such entity is seeking a waiver under
subsection (e)(2)(B) of the cost sharing requirement
under section 212 of the Public Land Corps Act of 1993
(16 U.S.C. 1729);
``(D) certification by the relevant State
coordinating agency that the State coordinating
agency--
``(i) will provide services through
agencies, and other functions described in
paragraph (3)(A), in accordance with a contract
or agreement entered into under paragraph (3);
and
``(ii) will facilitate coordination between
eligible host entities in the State for purpose
of prioritizing participants as described in
subsection (h)(4);
``(E) certification by the relevant State
Commission that the State Commission has established an
Environmental Equity Resource Center under subsection
(j); and
``(F) as relevant, certification by the State or
Tribal agency to provide the access and resources,
described in paragraph (3)(B).
``(2) Geographic distribution of grants.--The Corporation
shall distribute grants in a geographically balanced manner
across the country and regions of the country.
``(3) Contracts and arrangements with states or indian
tribes.--
``(A) In general.--On the approval of an
application for an eligible host entity, the eligible
host entity shall enter into such contracts or
agreements with the State coordinating agency as may be
necessary to carry out this section, including to
arrange for the provision of services through State or
Tribal agencies (which may be through providing access
and resources under subparagraph (B)).
``(B) Farmer eligible host entity.--On the approval
of an application for an eligible host entity that is
an individual farmer in a State or associated with an
Indian tribe, the Corporation shall notify the State or
Tribal agency with jurisdiction over agriculture, which
shall provide access to and resources for training and
apprenticeships, including from organizations and
farmer groups in the State or associated with the
Indian tribe, to support and provide coordination
between such farmer host entities in the State or
associated with an Indian tribe.
``(h) Eligible Corps Members.--
``(1) Eligibility.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible to participate in
and hold a service position in the Corps, an individual
shall be an unemployed or underemployed individual.
``(B) Eligibility for subprograms.--Within the
program, there shall be specific subprograms for--
``(i) recent graduates, as described in
paragraph (2); and
``(ii) returning citizens, as described in
paragraph (3).
``(2) Recent graduates.--
``(A) In general.--The program shall have
subprograms targeted to support, through service
positions and training (including technical
instruction) and education related to the service
positions in the program--
``(i) individuals who have--
``(I) graduated from an institution
of higher education within the 4 months
prior to beginning a term of service in
the program; and
``(II) have been unemployed or
underemployed during that time; and
``(ii) individuals who have--
``(I) graduated high school within
the 4 months prior to beginning a term
of service in the program; and
``(II) have been unemployed or
underemployed during that time.
``(3) Returning citizens (including justice-involved
youth).--
``(A) Returning citizen.--The term `returning
citizen' means a citizen who, within the 2 years prior
to beginning a term of service in the program, returned
from incarceration in a correctional institution or was
subject to the juvenile or adult justice system.
``(B) Subprogram.--The program shall include an
earn-while-you-learn career pathway subprogram for
returning citizens (including justice-involved youth)
to provide an accessible pathway into long-term careers
in the conservation workforce.
``(C) Workforce preparation.--The eligible host
entity shall ensure that the subprogram described in
subparagraph (B) includes--
``(i) on-the-job training and mentoring
from expert practitioners in conservation;
``(ii) continuing education courses; and
``(iii) credit towards a postsecondary
degree or certificate granted by an institution
of higher education.
``(4) Underserved participants.--Each eligible host entity
that receives a grant under subsection (e) shall, through
coordination with other eligible host entities in the State of
such eligible host entity facilitated by the State coordinating
agency--
``(A) prioritize participants from underserved
communities, including participants--
``(i) from communities of racial and ethnic
minorities;
``(ii) from low-income communities;
``(iii) from Tribal and indigenous
communities; and
``(iv) who are individuals with
disabilities; and
``(B) prioritize participants residing in an
environmental justice area (identified under subsection
(j)) near a proposed worksite.
``(5) Service positions.--
``(A) Project objectives and service positions.--
``(i) Locally established objectives and
service positions.--Each eligible host entity
that receives a grant under this section shall
establish project objectives, position-specific
criteria, and service position descriptions for
a Corps project, in order to ensure that the
project is locally led and addresses specific
local needs.
``(ii) Templates and materials.--The
Corporation shall provide project templates and
materials to support the establishment of the
objectives, criteria, and descriptions.
``(B) Service position application process.--
``(i) Materials.--The eligible host entity
shall make the project objectives, position-
specific criteria, and service position
descriptions available to individuals seeking
to apply for service positions in the Corps
project at the entity's worksite.
``(ii) Application.--To be eligible to
obtain a service position at the worksite, an
individual shall submit an application to the
eligible host entity and obtain approval of the
application. An individual with an approved
application shall be considered to be a Corps
member for purposes of this section.
``(C) Apprenticeships as service positions.--
Service positions under this section may include--
``(i) an apprenticeship 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.); and
``(ii) a preapprenticeship designed to lead
to an apprenticeship described in clause (i).
``(i) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible host entity that receives a
grant under subsection (e) shall use the grant funds to
provide, for each Corps member at the worksite--
``(A) a service position in which the Corps member
will carry out a service activity described in
paragraph (2), an allowance under paragraph (4) for
such service, and (on approval of an application) an
apprenticeship award under paragraph (5) at the
successful completion of that service; and
``(B) training (including technical instruction)
and education related to the service position and
described in paragraph (3)(A), an allowance under
paragraph (4) for such training, technical instruction,
and education, and connections and educational
opportunities described in paragraph (3)(B).
``(2) Service activities.--
``(A) In general.--The service activities referred
to in paragraph (1)(A) shall include--
``(i) for service positions with respect to
preserving or restoring public land (whether
Federal, State, Tribal, or local)--
``(I) restoration of forest
ecosystems, and reforestation or tree
planting;
``(II) hazardous fuel treatments
for the purpose of mitigating the risk
of, or suppressing, wildfires in the
western United States;
``(III) management of terrestrial
and aquatic invasive species;
``(IV) watershed restoration and
wetlands management;
``(V) coastal and inland ecosystem
restoration;
``(VI) prescribed burning;
``(VII) park and infrastructure
maintenance;
``(VIII) facility expansion;
``(IX) recreation and trail work;
``(X) public outreach and
education;
``(XI) pollinator habitat
establishment and management;
``(XII) accessibility improvement;
``(XIII) flood hazard mitigation;
``(XIV) road reconstruction and
maintenance;
``(XV) maintenance or restoration
of the native habitats of species
listed as endangered species under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and other habitat
restoration; and
``(XVI) provision of wildlife
crossing programs;
``(ii) for service positions with respect
to agriculture--
``(I) riparian buffer establishment
and maintenance;
``(II) grazing management;
``(III) pollinator habitat
establishment and management;
``(IV) integrated pest management;
``(V) prescribed burning;
``(VI) prairie strip establishment;
``(VII) grassland restoration;
``(VIII) soil health management;
``(IX) silvopasture;
``(X) on-farm infrastructure
development, construction, or repair,
that results in environmental benefits;
and
``(XI) other agricultural practices
with significant environmental
benefits;
``(iii) for service positions with respect
to restoration and remediation of natural
resources--
``(I) abandoned mine land
reclamation;
``(II) land and water quality
restoration;
``(III) tree planting and carrying
out other low-tech treatments; and
``(IV) plugging orphan oil and gas
wells;
``(iv) for service positions with respect
to urban and rural community resilience and
sustainability--
``(I) community greening;
``(II) promoting urban agriculture;
``(III) promoting community
gardens;
``(IV) local food economy
development;
``(V) heat island mitigation;
``(VI) establishing and maintaining
pedestrian pathways;
``(VII) establishing and
maintaining greenways and trails;
``(VIII) hazard mitigation;
``(IX) water resources development;
``(X) establishing and maintaining
community solar projects; and
``(XI) promoting energy efficiency
through retrofitting; and
``(v) for service positions with respect to
administration and monitoring--
``(I) administrative activities to
support the work at local conservation
districts;
``(II) project coordination and
management;
``(III) water quality monitoring;
``(IV) support of State or Tribal
agencies;
``(V) support of land trusts and
conservancies;
``(VI) support of local park and
recreation offices;
``(VII) support of community and
environmental justice organizations;
and
``(VIII) volunteer coordination.
``(B) Funding for agricultural conservation
practices.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible host entity
that receives a grant under subsection (e) may
use the funds to support the implementation of
an agricultural conservation practice for which
funding is provided through a program of the
Department of Agriculture and that is carried
out at the applicable worksite if the sum of
the amount of funding received through that
program and the amount of the grant under
subsection (e) is not greater than the total
cost of materials, labor, and income forgone
from conservation practice adoption associated
with the implementation of that practice.
``(ii) Priority.--In providing grants under
subsection (e) for projects that support the
implementation of agricultural conservation
practices described in clause (i), the
Corporation shall give priority to projects
carried out on farming operations managed by
beginning farmers or ranchers or socially
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
``(iii) Specialized crews.--A State, local,
or Tribal agency may host a specialized
conservation crew to support the implementation
of agricultural conservation practices
described in clause (i), including fencing,
tree planting buffer installation, or other
practices approved by the Natural Resources
Conservation Service of the Department of
Agriculture across multiple farming operations
in a region.
``(C) Nutrient reduction and agricultural
conservation practices.--Service activities described
in subparagraph (A) relating to agriculture or forestry
that are carried out using funds from a grant under
subsection (e) may be used to support Federal, State,
Tribal, and local efforts to achieve nutrient reduction
in impaired waterways.
``(3) Training and education.--
``(A) In general.--The eligible host entity shall
arrange for the provision of training (including
technical instruction and development of skills such as
time management, conflict resolution, goal development,
and resume writing) and education opportunities,
including workforce investment activities as defined in
section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (29 U.S.C. 3102), that are related to the service
position, for each participant at the worksite and
specific to the specific training needs of each
participant. If the entity provides on-site training
(including technical instruction or skills development)
or education, the entity shall provide training
(including technical instruction or skills development)
or education, respectively, that utilizes the skills
and expertise of experienced conservationists and
professionals, including training (including technical
instruction or skills development) or education by--
``(i) established farmers;
``(ii)(I) institutions of higher education;
``(II) the State system of higher
education;
``(III) land-grant colleges and
universities (as defined in section 1404 of the
National Agricultural Research, Extension, and
Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3103));
``(IV) community colleges;
``(V) Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (as defined by the term `part B
institution' under section 322 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061));
``(VI) Hispanic-serving institutions (as
defined in section 502(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a)));
``(VII) Tribal Colleges or Universities (as
defined in section 316(b) of such Act (20
U.S.C. 1059c(b)));
``(VIII) Asian American and Native American
Pacific Islander-serving institutions (as
defined in section 320(b) of such Act (20
U.S.C. 1059g(b)); and
``(IX) area career and technical education
schools, as defined in section 3 of the Carl D.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of
2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302);
``(iii) offices of the Cooperative
Extension System;
``(iv) State and Tribal agencies with
jurisdiction over agriculture or natural
resources; or
``(v) nonprofit organizations with
conservation expertise and training capacity.
``(B) Post-participation opportunities.--The
eligible host entity shall ensure that each participant
at the worksite receiving training (including technical
instruction) and education is--
``(i) connected to labor organizations,
nonprofit organizations, State and Tribal
agencies, and small businesses, for future job
opportunities following the term of service of
the participant; and
``(ii) provided with further educational
opportunities throughout the term of service of
the participant, and after the term of service
of the participant has concluded.
``(C) Corps member employment standard.--A
participant shall be considered to be a participant (as
defined in section 101 of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511)) of the eligible
host entity for which the participant serves.
``(4) Corps member allowance and benefits.--
``(A) Allowance.--The eligible host entity shall
provide to a participant, as an allowance, $15 for each
hour of service in a service position and $15 for each
hour of training (including technical instruction) and
education under paragraph (3)(A).
``(B) Health insurance.--
``(i) In general.--The eligible host entity
shall provide or make available a basic health
care policy for each full-time participant in a
service position, if the participant is not
otherwise covered by a health care policy. The
Corporation shall establish minimum standards
that all plans must meet in order to qualify
for payment under this section, any
circumstances in which an alternative health
care policy may be substituted for the basic
health care policy, and mechanisms to prohibit
participants from dropping existing coverage.
``(ii) Option.--The eligible host entity
may elect to provide from its own funds or make
available a health care policy for participants
that does not meet all of the standards
established by the Corporation if the fair
market value of such policy is equal to or
greater than the fair market value of a plan
that meets the minimum standards established by
the Corporation, and is consistent with other
applicable laws.
``(C) Other benefits.--An eligible host entity may
provide to a participant funds to be used for
transportation, child care, mental health services, and
other support for such participants.
``(5) Apprenticeship award.--
``(A) Definition.--In this paragraph, the term
`apprenticeship' means--
``(i) an apprenticeship 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.); and
``(ii) a preapprenticeship designed to lead
to an apprenticeship described in clause (i).
``(B) Notification.--Not later than 30 days after a
participant completes a term of service in a service
position under this subsection, the corresponding
eligible host entity shall inform the Corporation. On
determining that a participant has completed that term
of service, the Corporation shall notify the
participant of the determination, and the opportunity
to apply for an apprenticeship award under this
paragraph.
``(C) Application.--Not later than 12 months after
receiving that notification, a participant that seeks
an apprenticeship award under this paragraph shall
submit an application to the Corporation at such time,
in such manner, and containing such information as the
Corporation may require, including--
``(i) information demonstrating the goods
or services to be acquired for the
apprenticeship, and their cost; and
``(ii) information establishing that the
goods or services are described in section 472
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087ll).
``(D) Award.--On approving an application under
subparagraph (C), the Corporation shall make an award,
in an apprenticeship amount supported by the
application but not more than $5,000, for the
participant. The Corporation shall make the award to
the participant.
``(6) Conservation technical assistance.--Of the funds
appropriated under subsection (l), the Corporation shall set
aside 1 percent which shall be used for conservation technical
assistance (as defined in section 10 of the Soil Conservation
and Domestic Allotment Act (16 U.S.C. 590j)) to support the
implementation of a Corps project on private land, and when
relevant, adjacent public land related to the project.
``(7) Administration.--Not more than 10 percent of a grant
awarded under this section may be used for costs of
administration, including hiring and paying staff, purchasing
and leasing vehicles, acquiring equipment, and carrying out
other related activities to support the work of participants.
``(j) Environmental Justice.--
``(1) Environmental equity resource center.--A State
Commission that wishes to allow eligible host entities in the
State, or associated with a related Indian tribe, to receive
grants under subsection (c) shall establish an Environmental
Equity Resource Center for purposes of--
``(A) screening for and identifying for purposes of
this section environmental justice areas as described
in paragraph (3);
``(B) establishing a board as described in
paragraph (2); and
``(C) providing technical assistance for eligible
host entities with worksites in environmental justice
areas (as identified under this subsection), including
by conducting outreach, providing coordination,
building capacity, and supporting implementation of
projects at such worksites.
``(2) Community advisory board.--
``(A) In general.--An Environmental Equity Resource
Center established under paragraph (1) shall establish
a community advisory board for an area in which a Corps
project is occurring composed of representatives of--
``(i) relevant local public health
organizations;
``(ii) relevant local workforce development
boards (defined individually as a local board
in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102)) within the
State of the Environmental Equity Resource
Center and the State workforce development
board (defined individually as a State board in
such section) of such State;
``(iii) relevant environmental and
environmental justice organizations;
``(iv) relevant labor organizations;
``(v) relevant Indian tribes;
``(vi) community members in an area in
which a Corps project is occurring; and
``(vii) other organizations or individuals
as determined relevant by the Environmental
Equity Resource Center.
``(B) Duties.--The community advisory board
established under this paragraph shall--
``(i) ensure community engagement,
transparency, and accountability in carrying
out each stage of a project receiving funds
under this section; and
``(ii) track, evaluate, and report progress
on clear and meaningful indicators related to
the benefits of the project as described in
subsection (f)(3)(B)(i) and other relevant
factors.
``(3) Identification of environmental justice areas.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this section,
the Environmental Equity Resource Center established by
the State Commission under paragraph (1) shall, in
accordance with subparagraph (B) or (C), identify
environmental justice areas.
``(B) Identification in states with environmental
justice standards.--For States with environmental
justice standards under State law, the Environmental
Equity Resource Center in such State shall identify
environmental justice areas based on the State
standards and the totality of the factors listed in
subparagraph (C) (with the factor in each clause
weighing in favor of the area being an environmental
justice area).
``(C) Identification in states without
environmental justice standards.--For States without
environmental justice standards under State law, the
Environmental Equity Resource Center in such State
shall identify environmental justice areas based on the
totality of the following factors (with the factor in
each clause weighing in favor of the area being an
environmental justice area):
``(i) An area in the State that has a
predominately minority, low-income, or Tribal
or indigenous population.
``(ii) An area in the State that has a
disproportionate exposure to an environmental
hazard or the cumulative effect of
environmental hazards, including hazards in the
EJSCREEN environmental indicators (or any
corresponding similar indicators) developed by
the Environmental Protection Agency.
``(iii) An area in the State that has
disproportionate vulnerability to an
environmental hazard or the cumulative effect
of environmental hazards, including an area
that meets EJSCREEN demographic indicators (or
any corresponding similar indicators) developed
by the Environmental Protection Agency.
``(iv) An area in the State with high rates
of asthma prevalence and incidence.
``(v) An area in the State within which
drinking water has been contaminated with lead
or perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl
substances.
``(vi) An area in the State with an
additional demographic or environmental factor
that the Environmental Equity Resource Center
determines to be appropriate in identifying an
area as an environmental justice area for the
purpose of Corps projects.
``(D) Interference with state environmental justice
areas.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as
limiting a State from identifying, using factors under
this paragraph or otherwise, an area as an
environmental justice area for purposes other than
under this section.
``(k) Use of Steel, Iron, and Manufactured Goods Produced in the
United States.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), grant funds
awarded under this section to an eligible host entity may be
obligated for a project if the steel, iron, and manufactured
goods used for such project are produced only in the United
States.
``(2) Exceptions.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
paragraph (1) shall not apply in any case, or category
of cases, in which the eligible host entity overseeing
a project finds that--
``(i) applying paragraph (1) would be
inconsistent with the public interest;
``(ii) the steel, iron, or manufactured
goods needed for such project are not produced
in the United States in sufficient and
reasonably available quantities or in a
satisfactory quality; or
``(iii) use of steel, iron, or manufactured
goods produced in the United States will
increase the cost of the overall project by
more than 25 percent.
``(B) Waiver request.--If the Corporation or a
partnering Federal agency receives a request by an
eligible host entity for a waiver under this section
for an exception listed in subparagraph (A), the head
of the Corporation or partnering Federal agency
(referred to in this subparagraph as the `agency head')
shall make available to the public a copy of the
request and information available to the head of such
Federal agency concerning the request, and shall allow
for public input on the request for at least 15 days
prior to making a finding based on the request. The
agency head shall make the request and accompanying
information available by electronic means, including on
the official public internet site of the Federal agency
involved.
``(3) International agreements.--The requirements under
this subsection shall be applied in a manner consistent with
the obligations of the United States under international
agreements.
``(4) Applicability.--Nothing in this subsection shall
supersede or preempt any existing (as of the date of enactment
of this section) requirement to buy or use goods produced only
in the United States, to the extent such requirement is more
strict than this subsection.
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025.
``(2) Duration of availability.--Amounts appropriated
pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until
expended.
``SEC. 167. CORPORATION ADVISORY COUNCIL.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Corporation (as
defined in section 101) the Corporation Advisory Council (referred to
in this section as the `Council').
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) Appointment.--The Chief Executive Officer shall
appoint members of the Council from the groups described in
paragraph (2).
``(2) Composition.--The Council shall be composed of
representatives from--
``(A) eligible host entities (as defined in section
166); and
``(B) labor organizations.
``(c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed
for the life of the Council. Any vacancy in the Council shall not
affect the powers of the Council, but shall be filled in the same
manner as the original appointment was made.
``(d) Duties.--
``(1) Study.--The Council shall study--
``(A) the operation of the Corporation (as defined
in section 166);
``(B) the impact of grants awarded under section
166; and
``(C) the outcome of participants in the program
created under section 166.
``(2) Report.--The Council shall prepare annual reports on
the issues considered under paragraph (1) and submit such
reports to the Corporation (as defined in section 101).
``(e) Personnel.--
``(1) Travel expenses.--The members of the Council shall
not receive compensation for the performance of services for
the Council, but shall be allowed travel expenses, including
per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for
employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title
5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular
places of business in the performance of services for the
Council. Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United
States Code, the Secretary may accept the voluntary and
uncompensated services of members of the Council.
``(2) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal
Government employee may be detailed to the Council without
reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or
loss of civil service status or privilege.
``(f) Permanent Council.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Council.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Council for each fiscal year such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this section.
``(2) Availability.--Any sums appropriated under the
authorization contained in this subsection shall remain
available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.''.
(b) Excluding Corps Member Allowance and Awards From Gross
Income.--
(1) In general.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
section 112 the following new section:
``SEC. 113. AMOUNTS RECEIVED FROM CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS.
``In the case of an individual, gross income shall not include any
amount received under a civilian conservation corps allowance or award
under paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 166(i) of the National and
Community Service Act of 1990.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for part III
of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
112 the following new item:
``Sec. 113. Amounts received from Civilian Conservation Corps.''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to taxable years ending after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) References.--Sections 151 (in the first sentence),
152(a), 159(c)(1)(C), 163(a), 164, and 165 (in the matter
preceding paragraph (1)) of the National and Community Service
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12611, 12612(a), 12619(c)(1)(C),
12623(a), 12624, and 12625) are amended by striking ``this
subtitle'' and inserting ``this chapter''.
(2) Table of contents.--The table of contents for the
National and Community Service Act of 1990 is amended in the
items relating to subtitle E of title I--
(A) by striking the item relating to the heading
for subtitle E and inserting the following:
``Subtitle E--National Corps
``Chapter 1--National Civilian Community Corps'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``Chapter 2--Civilian Conservation Corps
``Sec. 166. Civilian Conservation program.
``Sec. 167. Corporation Advisory Council.''.
SEC. 3. ON-FARM APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Apprentice.--The term ``apprentice'' means an
individual in an apprenticeship 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.).
(2) Apprenticeship costs.--The term ``apprenticeship
costs'' means the actual costs incurred by an agricultural
business in employing an apprentice through the program,
including--
(A) wages paid to the apprentice (not including
allowances that are funded through the Civilian
Conservation Corps established under section 166 of the
National and Community Service Act of 1990, as added by
section 2 of this Act);
(B) a reasonable allocation of fixed overhead
expenses relating to the apprenticeship under the
program; and
(C) incidental costs directly relating to the
apprenticeship under the program.
(3) Program.--The term ``program'' means the agricultural
workforce development program established under subsection (b).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(b) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to
establish an agricultural workforce development program to provide
incentives for agricultural businesses to employ apprentices, including
employing participants in or applicants for the Civilian Conservation
Corps established under section 166 of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990, through partial reimbursement of the
apprenticeship costs.
(c) Requirements.--In the regulations promulgated under subsection
(b), the Secretary shall specify, at a minimum--
(1) the criteria for selecting an agricultural business for
participation in the program, which shall include--
(A) the ability of the agricultural business to
effectively supervise an apprentice; and
(B) the opportunity for an apprentice to obtain
meaningful work experience through the apprenticeship;
(2) the process and timeline for selecting agricultural
businesses and apprentices that are qualified to participate in
the program;
(3) the accounting requirements for tracking apprenticeship
costs under the program; and
(4) the process for an agricultural business to seek
reimbursements for apprenticeship costs under the program.
(d) Reimbursements.--Under the program, the Secretary shall
reimburse an agricultural business in an amount equal to not more than
50 percent of apprenticeship costs.
(e) Limitation.--An agricultural business may not be reimbursed
under the program for the apprenticeship costs of more than 3
apprentices for any 1 fiscal year.
(f) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
change the status of an individual participating in the Civilian
Conservation Corps established under section 101(30)(B) of the National
and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12511(30)(B)) for purposes
of chapter 2 of subtitle E of title I of that Act, as added by section
2 of this Act.
SEC. 4. SKILLED TRADE NONDISPLACEMENT.
Section 177(b)(3)(A) of the National and Community Service Act of
1990 (42 U.S.C. 12637(b)(3)(A)) is amended by striking ``employee.''
and inserting ``employee, including any employee whose duties require
that employee to have passed a trade examination in the skilled
trades.''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
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.
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.
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