PLEASE NOTE: Legislative Information cannot perform research, provide legal advice, or interpret Maine law. For legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney.
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 22, 2020 AS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION DAY
WHEREAS, April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day; and
WHEREAS,  the first Earth Day in 1970 included teach-ins across the country focused on environmental education; and
WHEREAS,  environmental education builds emotional and social skills, including self-esteem, character development, teamwork and leadership skills and climate literacy by encouraging students to research and think critically about complex environmental issues; and
WHEREAS,  environmental education improves overall academic performance by embracing many other disciplines such as science, social studies, language arts, mathematics, engineering, fine arts and technology; and
WHEREAS,  outdoor learning may contribute to greater long-term retention of academic material through hands-on, experiential learning; and
WHEREAS,  green schoolyards promote physical health by providing many active and cooperative play options for children of different abilities, ages and genders; and
WHEREAS,  healthy school meals support brain power with vitamins and nutrients needed for focus and energy, promote healthy eating habits outside of the classroom and decrease childhood obesity rates; and
WHEREAS,  environmental education prepares students for careers in green and STEM industries, which are high in demand, contribute to economic development and are expected to grow in the future; and
WHEREAS,  environmental education promotes civic engagement and environmental awareness, fostering an ability to participate in lifelong environmental decision making and stewardship; and
WHEREAS,  environmental education continues to gain support from individuals, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, governments and commercial enterprises across the world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize April 22, 2020 as Environmental Education Day and encourage educators and schools to conduct environmental activities so students will understand the importance of these practices.