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No Child Left Inside Act of 2008

Date: Sept. 18, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Education Environment


NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE ACT OF 2008 -- (House of Representatives - September 18, 2008)

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Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3036, the No Child Left Inside Act, which would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to promote the expansion and development of environmental education in our classrooms from kindergarten to grade 12.

Environmental education is so important for our students, especially with the growing crisis facing our climate. Yet across the country, these types of programs are facing cuts due to school budget woes. H.R. 3036 helps alleviate this problem by extending the National Environmental Education Act through 2009 and strengthening the Environmental Education Training program under current law. This legislation also establishes the National Capacity Environmental Education Grant Program, which would authorize the Secretary of Education to award 1-3 year competitive grants to nonprofit organizations, state educational agencies, local education agencies, or institutions of higher education.

The No Child Left Inside Act will help our students see the real world beyond the classroom and better prepare them for the 21st century. I am proud that my home State of Rhode Island already stands out in this area because of its steadfast commitment to protecting its resources--the Narragansett Bay, beaches, parks and forests, lakes and rivers, and other beloved spaces. Rhode Island has been ahead of the curve in promoting renewable energy sources and conducting climate change research. Now we must work to make sure this legacy is passed on to future generations. Just as we have worked in our cities and towns to preserve the environment, we must ensure that our national policies build on these actions. With so many teachers and students already involved, the No Child Left Inside Act will only boost our work in Rhode Island.

I would like to thank my colleague, Congressman Sarbanes, for introducing this bill, as well as my colleague and fellow Rhode Islander, Senator Jack Reed, for introducing the companion bill.

Mr. Chairman, this bill has bipartisan support and both environmental groups and schools are ready to implement these programs. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

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