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Senator Mary
Jo White Introduces Bill
to Strengthen
Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education
Statewide Resource is
Based at Slippery Rock University
HARRISBURG -- State Sen.
Mary Jo White (R-21) is introducing legislation to strengthen a successful
statewide environmental education program based at Slippery Rock University.
Administered by the State
System of Higher Education, the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education
serves as a statewide environmental education resource for state agencies,
county conservation districts, educators and nonprofit organizations.
The PCEE was established by
Executive Order 1996-7. Senator White’s legislation, Senate Bill 1040, would
amend the Environmental Education Act to establish the PCEE in statute,
strengthening its status among state programs and ensuring more stable funding.
“At a time when we are trying
to teach young citizens the importance of responsible environmental stewardship,
the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is an extremely valuable
resource,” said White, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee. “The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education makes learning
tools available to teachers, home-school parents and students via the Internet
and newsletters. This legislation is designed to make sure such information
continues to be available.”
Among its various duties, PCEE
inventories and generates environmental education related research; maintains an
Internet-based environmental resources network; and provides training and
education opportunities for educators and citizens. White’s legislation
includes provisions to prevent duplication among groups in providing such
services and materials.
Senate Bill 1040 also would
establish an Environmental Education Advisory Committee to assist the Center,
and increases the portion of environmental fines dedicated to fulfilling the
purposes of the Environmental Education Act from 5 percent to 15 percent. Under
the bill, a minimum of $500,000 of these funds would be devoted annually to the
functions of PCEE.
“A vital area such as
environmental education deserves a stable funding source,” said White. “Every
day, we learn more about the environment and how we impact it. It’s a learning
process that never ends. Establishing the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental
Education in statute would reflect a commitment to ensuring that young
Pennsylvanians understand how their communities interact with nature, and how to
be responsible stewards of the environment.”
Senate Bill 1040 is part of a
package of environmental measures being unveiled to bolster environmental
protection in Pennsylvania.
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