Summary#
This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create a Climate Change Education Program. NOAA must set up the program within one year of the law taking effect. The program will provide formal and nonformal climate change learning for all ages, including climate science, adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and climate justice. It emphasizes practical information about technologies, jobs, and incentives. The bill sets up grants and cooperative agreements for State and local education agencies, institutions of higher education, professional associations, and youth corps. It requires communities of practice, an annual report to Congress starting two years after enactment, and authorizes $50 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2032 to carry out the law.
What it means for you#
- Students: Schools may receive funds to teach climate topics and add hands-on projects and career pathways related to green jobs.
- Educators: Teachers and school staff may get professional development, curricula, and model lessons aligned to state standards.
- Colleges and communities: Colleges can get grants for campus-community climate work and applied research that serves local needs.
- Community groups and nonprofits: Eligible groups can partner with schools or colleges to run out-of-school programs and youth climate work.
- Environmental justice communities: The bill directs a share of some grant funds to go to communities with higher environmental and health risks.
Expenses#
- The bill authorizes $50,000,000 per year for NOAA to carry out the program for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
- Grant funding is allocated by default as: 50% for K–12 state/local projects, 30% for higher education projects, 10% for professional associations, and 10% for youth corps projects.
- If total grant funds in a fiscal year are $5,000,000 or less, the allocation may be 60% for K–12 and 40% for higher education instead.
- 40% of funds allocated to higher education and youth corps grants must be directed to environmental justice communities.
- NOAA may not award grants directly to local education agencies in a year unless more than $5,000,000 is appropriated for grants that year.
- If appropriations for grants exceed $5,000,000 in a year, each grant to state-level education partnerships must be at least $1,000,000 that year.
Proponents' View#
The bill's findings say supporters believe the scientific evidence for human-caused climate change is strong. Supporters say educating people can reduce fear and encourage action, prepare students for green jobs, and help spread new technologies and programs. The bill also cites NOAA's existing Environmental Literacy Program and presents this effort as a natural expansion of NOAA's education work.
Opponents' View#
No publicly available information.