Governor Rendell Says Investments Foster Better Environmental Understanding, Appreciation

Press Release

Governor Rendell Says Investments Foster Better Environmental Understanding, Appreciation

Among Students, Public

Announces $478,000 to 78 Organizations to Stimulate Life-Long Learning

With environmental issues gaining a greater share of the public's attention, Governor Edward G. Rendell today said the commonwealth is supporting educational efforts to ensure that present and future generations of Pennsylvanians understand these issues and are prepared to address the related challenges.

"More and more, people are coming to understand that our actions have consequences for the natural world around us and they're wondering how they can reduce their impact on the planet," said Governor Rendell as he announced more than $478,000 in environmental education investments to schools and environmental groups across the state.

"Many of these grants will be used to give young students hands on lessons and conduct workshops for teachers on such critical issues as renewable energy, climate change, water conservation, air quality and acid mine drainage. Helping students and the public understand issues like these is the first step in finding solutions to our most pressing environmental challenges."

Administered through the Department of Environmental Protection's environmental education grant program, the money is used to increase environmental literacy among students and adults alike.

Seventy-eight schools, universities, county conservation districts and non-profit groups will use the grants to improve environmental awareness and promote stewardship across the commonwealth. The grants range from $1,214 to $19,901.

This year, the largest grant was awarded to the Allegheny County Conservation District to conduct 40 watershed awareness programs consisting of two-sessions that will reach more than 1,000 students during the 2008-09 school year.

Many of the grants also will help schools implement the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology, which requires educators to provide students with instruction related to the state's environmental laws and regulations.

The Environmental Education Act of 1993 requires 5 percent of all fines and penalties collected annually by DEP to be set aside to stimulate environmental education in Pennsylvania. Including the grants announced today, DEP has awarded more than $6 million in support of environmental education since 1995.

For more information about the grants, contact DEP's Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-772-1828, or visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Environmental Education.

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