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For Immediate Release
March 26, 2007
Senate Again Passes White Bill to Strengthen Pennsylvania Center
for Environmental Education
Senator renews effort on behalf of Slippery Rock
University-based resource center.
Harrisburg – Legislation reintroduced by state Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-21) to strengthen a successful statewide environmental education
program based at Slippery Rock University was approved today by the Senate.
The Senate approved similar
legislation sponsored by White in the previous two legislative sessions, but the
House of Representatives did not vote on the measures.
The Pennsylvania Center for
Environmental Education is a statewide environmental education resource for
state agencies, county conservation districts, educators and nonprofit
organizations.
The PCEE was established 10 years ago by
Executive Order. Senator White's legislation, Senate Bill 356, 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 is an important
teaching aid. It generates and inventories research related to environmental
education, maintains an Internet-based environmental resources network, and
provides training and education opportunities for educators and citizens," said
White, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
"Given that the state has set environment and ecology curriculum standards that
students must meet in kindergarten through grade 12, the PCEE should be able to
count on stable support."
Senate Bill 356 would establish
a PCEE governing board, ensuring it remains focused on environmental education
issues, said White.
"Slippery Rock University has
done a great job with the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education. It is
truly a statewide resource, making learning tools available to teachers,
home-school parents and students via the Internet and newsletters. Senate Bill
356 would make certain that this information continues to be available," said
White, who worked closely with Gov. Ed Rendell to
ensure he would support the measure.
Senate Bill 356 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT:Leigh Ramsey
(717) 787-9684
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