S. 1389 – Reading Mode

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1389

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

May 14, 2007

Mr. Obama (for himself, Ms. Snowe, and Mr. Bingaman) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

A BILL

To authorize the National Science Foundation to establish a Climate Change Education Program.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Climate Change Education Act.

Findings

Congress finds that—

(1)

greenhouse gases are 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)

there is scientific consensus that human activities are the major cause of atmospheric greenhouse gas accumulation;

(3)

mandatory steps will be required to slow or stop the accumulation of atmospheric greenhouse gases;

(4)

atmospheric greenhouse gases can be significantly reduced through conservation, by shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal, and by increasing the efficiency of buildings, including domiciles, and transportation, and by advances in technology;

(5)

providing clear information about global warming, in a variety of forms, can increase understanding and encourage individuals and communities to take action;

(6)

implementation of measures that promote energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy will greatly reduce human impact on the environment; and

(7)

informing people of new technologies and programs as they become available will ensure maximum understanding and maximum impact of those measures.

Climate change education program

(a)

Establishment

The Director of the National Science Foundation shall establish a Climate Change Education Program to—

(1)

broaden the understanding of climate change, possible long and short-term consequences, and potential solutions;

(2)

apply the latest scientific and technological discoveries to provide formal and informal learning opportunities to people of all ages, including those of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds; and

(3)

emphasize actionable information to help people understand and to promote implementation of new technologies, programs, and incentives related to energy conservation, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reduction.

(b)

Program elements

The Climate Change Education Program shall include—

(1)

a national information campaign to disseminate information on and promote implementation of the new technologies, programs, and incentives described in subsection (a)(3); and

(2)

a competitive grant program to provide grants to States, local municipalities, educational institutions, and other organizations to—

(A)

create informal education materials, exhibits, and multimedia presentations relevant to climate change and climate science;

(B)

develop climate science kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum and supplementary educational materials; or

(C)

publish climate change and climate science information in print, electronic, and audio-visual forms.

(c)

Report to congress

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director of the National Science Foundation shall transmit to Congress a report that evaluates the scientific merits, educational effectiveness, and broader impacts of activities under this section.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, such sums as may be necessary.