S.Amdt. 2230

SA 2230. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to
amendment SA 2089 submitted by Mr. Alexander (for himself and Mrs.
Murray) to the bill S. 1177, to reauthorize the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves;
which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

At the end of title V, add the following:

SEC. 5011. CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION.

(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the
``Climate Change Education Act''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) carbon pollution is accumulating in the atmosphere,
causing global temperatures to rise at a rate that poses a
significant threat to the economy and security of the United
States, to public health and welfare, and to the global
environment;
(2) climate change is already impacting the United States
with sea level rise, ocean acidification, and more frequent
or intense extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy
rainfalls, droughts, floods, and wildfires;
(3) the scientific evidence for human-induced climate
change is overwhelming and undeniable as demonstrated by
statements from the National Academy of Sciences, the
National Climate Assessment, and numerous other science
professional organizations in the United States;
(4) the United States has a responsibility to children and
future generations of the United States to address the
harmful effects of climate change;
(5) providing clear information about climate change, in a
variety of forms, can encourage individuals and communities
to take action;
(6) the actions of a single nation cannot solve the climate
crisis, so solutions that address both mitigation and
adaptation must involve developed and developing nations
around the world;
(7) investing in the development of innovative clean energy
and energy efficiency technologies will--
(A) enhance the global leadership and competitiveness of
the United States; and
(B) create and sustain short and long term job growth;
(8) implementation of measures that promote energy
efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, and low-carbon
fossil energy will greatly reduce human impact on the
environment; and

[[Page S5065]]

(9) education about climate change is important to ensure
the future generation of leaders is well-informed about the
challenges facing our planet in order to make decisions based
on science and fact.
(c) Amendment to ESEA.--Title V of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.), as
amended by section 5010, is further amended by adding at the
end the following:

``PART J--CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION

``SEC. 5911. CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAM.

``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to--
``(1) broaden the understanding of human induced climate
change, possible long and short-term consequences, and
potential solutions;
``(2) provide learning opportunities in climate science
education for all students through grade 12, including those
of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds;
``(3) emphasize actionable information to help students
understand how to utilize new technologies and programs
related to energy conservation, clean energy, and carbon
pollution reduction; and
``(4) inform the public of impacts to human health and
safety as a result of climate change.
``(b) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary, in consultation
with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of
Energy, shall establish a competitive grant program to
provide grants to States to--
``(1) develop or improve climate science curriculum and
supplementary educational materials for grades kindergarten
through grade 12;
``(2) initiate, develop, expand, or implement statewide
plans and programs for climate change education, including
relevant teacher training and professional development and
multidisciplinary studies to ensure that students graduate
from high school climate literate; or
``(3) create State green school building standards or
policies.
``(c) Application.--A State desiring to receive a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by
such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
``(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter,
the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report that
evaluates the scientific merits, educational effectiveness,
and broader impacts of activities under this section.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such
sums as may be necessary.''.
______