What does Preamble of Climate Change Education Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Climate Change Education Program, and for other purposes,' aims to establish a Climate Change Education Program. The bill requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish this program.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Climate Change Education Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This section establishes findings related to climate change and education. It asserts the evidence for human-induced climate change is overwhelming and that atmospheric carbon can be reduced through various methods. The findings highlight the importance of clear climate change information to encourage action. The section emphasizes the potential of students to influence the climate positively or negatively throughout their lives. It notes widespread public support for teaching climate change solutions in schools. A significant portion of science teachers lack a full understanding of the scientific consensus on climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is tasked with conducting educational activities, and its Environmental Literacy Program is identified as a valuable resource. Expanding the Environmental Literacy Program to include climate education for educators and students is considered a strategic use of NOAA's expertise.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. “Climate change education” is defined as interdisciplinary learning about climate change, adaptation, mitigation, resilience, and justice at all age levels. “Climate justice” refers to fair treatment and meaningful involvement for all people, regardless of background, in climate-related policies and projects. “Climate literacy” means possessing knowledge of climate change, its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. “Environmental justice” ensures fair treatment and involvement in environmental matters, providing equal protection and access to federal agency actions. An “environmental justice community” is characterized by significant representation of communities of color, low-income communities, or Tribal and indigenous communities facing disproportionate environmental or health risks. A “green economy” is defined as one that improves well-being and equity while reducing environmental risks. The definition of “institution of higher education” references section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The definitions of “local educational agency” and “state educational agency” are based on section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. “Nonformal” learning is defined as out-of-school educational programming by nonprofits and public agencies. “Nonprofit organization” refers to organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

What does CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAM. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This section establishes a Climate Change Education Program within the Office of Education of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The program aims to increase climate literacy in the United States by broadening understanding of climate change and its consequences. The program will utilize scientific discoveries to provide learning opportunities for all ages and backgrounds. The program will emphasize actionable information related to climate change solutions, including technologies, jobs, and incentives.

What does GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This section establishes a program to award grants or cooperative agreements under the Climate Change Education Program. Eligible recipients include state educational agencies, local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, professional associations, academic societies, and youth corps organizations. Grants support climate literacy plan development, project implementation, applied climate research, professional development, and community-based climate mitigation and adaptation work. The program will establish communities of practice to accelerate learning. Local educational agencies require appropriations exceeding $5,000,000 to be eligible for grants. Funds are allocated with 50% for state and local educational agencies, 30% for institutions of higher education, 10% for professional associations, and 10% for youth corps organizations, unless appropriations are below $5,000,000. If appropriations are less than $5,000,000, the allocation shifts to 60% for state and local educational agencies and 40% for institutions of higher education. Forty percent of funds allocated for institutions of higher education and youth corps organizations must be directed to environmental justice communities. If appropriations exceed $5,000,000, entities under paragraph (1) (state and local educational agencies) must receive a minimum of $1,000,000.

What does ANNUAL REPORT. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This section requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to submit an annual report to Congress. The report must evaluate the scientific merits, educational effectiveness, and broader effects of activities carried out under this Act. The first report is due within two years of the Act's enactment, with subsequent reports submitted annually thereafter.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Climate Change Education Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The authorized amount is $50,000,000 annually. These appropriations are for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

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Climate Change Education Act

Last updated: 4/21/2026 · Introduced: 4/21/2026

Author: Debbie Dingell (D-MI)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Climate Change Education Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase climate literacy across all age groups.
The program will provide learning opportunities utilizing scientific discoveries and emphasize actionable solutions related to climate change, including technologies and job opportunities.
The bill authorizes grants and cooperative agreements to support climate literacy plan development, project implementation, professional development, and community-based climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Eligible recipients for grants include state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, professional associations, and youth corps organizations, with a focus on directing funds to environmental justice communities.
NOAA is required to submit an annual report to Congress evaluating the scientific merits, educational effectiveness, and broader effects of the program's activities, with an authorized annual appropriation of $50,000,000.

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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