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For Immediate Release
June 23, 2004
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Senate
Approves White Bill to Strengthen Slippery Rock University-Based Center
for Environmental Education
Harrisburg – The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation
sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to strengthen a successful
statewide environmental education program based at Slippery Rock
University.
The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education serves as a
statewide environmental education resource for state agencies, county
conservation districts, educators, parents and nonprofit organizations.
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.
"The PCEE has been very successful since being formed under an
Executive Order by Governor Ridge in 1996, but recently I became
concerned funding would be discontinued as a way to trim the state
Department of Environmental Protection's budget," said White, who chairs
the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "We want to
recognize the good work done by the Center in statute, and provide
funding into the future."
Among its various duties, the 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. It makes learning tools
available to teachers, home-school parents and students via the Internet
and newsletters. More information about the PCEE is available on its
website at
www.pcee.org.
Senate Bill 1040 also would establish a governing board to oversee
the Center and appropriate $350,000 to the State System of Higher
Education to administer the program.
"We worked with the Department of Environmental Protection and the
State System of Higher Education on several amendments that strengthened
Senate Bill 1040," said White. "Environmental education is constantly
evolving. It's an ongoing learning process, and the PCEE serves as an
important component to further environmental education in Pennsylvania".
Senate Bill 1040 was part of a package of environmental measures
unveiled in April to bolster environmental protection in Pennsylvania.
The bills will next be considered by the House of Representatives.
CONTACT: Pat Henderson (717) 787-9684
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