|
Download a pdf of this letter
Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of our millions of members and supporters across the country, we urge you to continue funding in FY 2012 for the National Environmental Education Act programs through the Office of Environmental Education at the Environmental Protection Agency at the fiscal year 2011 level of $9.7 million.
We strongly oppose the U.S. House of Representative's proposal in H.R. 2584 to eliminate this critical program and urge you to restore funding this year. We understand that difficult choices must be made on federal spending; however, America needs to continue investing in conservation education for our nation's economic stability. To remain globally competitive, our citizens must have an understanding of the conservation challenges and opportunities that impact our economy, health, national security and energy independence. Research indicates that outdoor experiential education also increases critical thinking skills necessary for innovation and improves performance on standardized tests, including in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subject areas. Continued investment in this area is vital to America's economic future.
All 50 states benefit from the accomplishments of the Office of Environmental Education's successful programs. It supports life-long conservation education and stewardship through several highly-leveraged, but under-resourced programs including the National Environmental Education Training Program to provide professional development for teachers, the National Environmental Education Foundation to leverage public/private partnerships, and a grant program to support local environmental education providers. The Office also provides significant support for reaching historically underserved audiences such as communities of color, economically distressed and geographically isolated communities. As a national leader in outreach, the activities supported by the Office are instrumental in cultivating young people of color as future leaders in both the field of conservation education and a broad range of scientific professions.
These programs and conservation education, in general, have overwhelming public support. In fact, 95 percent of American adults and 96 percent of parents support conservation education being taught in the schools according to an environment survey conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide.
In times of economic crisis it is imperative that we continue our investment in education. Outdoor experiential education prepares tomorrow's entrepreneurs and innovators with the skills necessary to lead in the 21st Century economy. We urge Congress to continue funding the Office of Environmental Education at $9.7 million in fiscal year 2012.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
X __________________________
|
