Senate Bill 356 (MJWhite-R-Venango), that would establish the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education in state law, was passed unanimously by the full Senate this week and sent to the House for consideration.

The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is a statewide environmental education resource for state agencies, county conservation districts, educators and nonprofit organizations based at Slippery Rock University in Butler County.

The PCEE was established 10 years ago by Executive Order. Sen.White's legislation 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 Sen. 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 Sen. 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 Sen. White, who worked closely with Gov. Rendell to ensure he would support the measure.

The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

NewsClip: Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education Seeks Full-Time Educator

3/30/2007