For Immediate Release

September 18, 2008

Contact: Lisa Swann

202 518-0044, Ext. 14

swann@earthday.net

 

House Leaves No Child Inside

Bill passed to provide environmental education in the nation’s schools

Washington, DC - The House of Representatives has passed legislation that would provide new funding for environmental education, including a national grant program for teacher development and student programs. These new resources would ensure that teachers are trained to provide high-quality, engaging lessons and would expand environmental learning opportunities across the country. The No Child Left Inside Act of 2008 (H.R. 3036), sponsored by Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD), passed with strong bipartisan support.

Earth Day Network, a globally recognized leader in the field of environmental education, has been working with other national and state groups to ensure that every child benefits from the advantages that environmental and outdoor education provides. “We are witnessing an epidemic of health and behavioral problems that are a direct result of children spending more time indoors,” said Sean Miller, Director of Education at Earth Day Network. “With the passing of No Child Left Inside, we are one step closer to empowering students with the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to ensure a healthy future for all.”

The No Child Left Inside Act creates grants for environmental education, to be given to states after approval of K-12 environmental literacy plans by the US Department of Education. It also allocates funds for teacher professional development and student programs.

“This House vote shows the growing support for change in our education system,” Miller added. “We are confident that the Senate will listen and move the legislation forward for the next President to sign into law.”

About Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network, www.earthday.net, seeks to grow and diversify the environmental movement worldwide, and to mobilize it as the most effective vehicle for promoting a healthy, sustainable planet. It pursues these goals through education, politics, and consumer activism. Earth Day Network has a global reach with a network of more than 17,000 partners and organizations in 174 countries. More than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.