New law includes Pingree amendment for clean energy volunteers in rural areas
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree looked on today as President Obama signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act at the SEED School in Washington.  The law will more than triple the number of AmeriCorps volunteers to over 250,000.
 
Pingree called the new law "an important call to service for the entire country.  It will offer opportunities to people of all ages, races, and backgrounds to get involved in their communities and make lasting changes to the places they live."
 
President Obama invited Pingree to the ceremony because she introduced an amendment that became part of the final version of the bill.  Pingree’s amendment involves the Clean Energy Corps and expands it to include any activity “providing clean energy services designed to meet the needs of rural communities.”
 
In addition to a dramatic expansion in the number of volunteers for AmeriCorps, the law creates four new service corps in the model of AmeriCorps—providing educational grants and stipends to support and encourage service to the community.  The new service corps are:
 
Clean Energy Corps to encourage energy efficiency and conservation measures
Education Corps to help increase student engagement, achievement and graduation
Healthy Futures Corps to improve health care access
Veterans Service Corps to enhance services for veterans

When Pingree spoke in favor of her amendment on the floor of the House, she told the story of people in her community who came together to propose a wind turbine project that will provide power for two offshore islands—North Haven and Vinalhaven.  She said that "the project could not happen without the volunteer efforts of dozens of people in our community who have donated thousands of hours to make this clean energy project a reality."

"This amendment specifically extends additional opportunities for volunteerism in rural areas like Maine,” she said. “So we can help encourage and support citizens of all ages who want to contribute to our clean energy future, whether that means working on local projects like the Vinalhaven wind turbine or community weatherization projects to help save energy resources."
 
On average, AmeriCorps volunteers earn about $1,000 a month, plus housing assistance and medical benefits. In addition, volunteers are eligible for education awards.  The law President Obama signed today increased that award to match the current Pell Grant at $5,350.  The education award would then keep pace with Pell Grant increases in the future.
 
In addition, it establishes a program for middle and high school students called “Summer of Service,” where volunteers can receive a $500 education award to be used for college costs. The new law also creates volunteer opportunities for Americans 55 and over.