What does Preamble of Climate Change Education Act do?

This bill requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Climate Change Education Program. The bill's stated purpose is to establish a Climate Change Education Program and for other purposes.

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 outlines findings related to climate change and education. It asserts that 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 in encouraging action and the potential impact of students' knowledge and actions. The text notes that a significant number of students graduate annually and their actions regarding climate change will have lasting effects. There is widespread support for teaching students about climate change, but a concerning percentage of science teachers lack a full understanding of the scientific consensus. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is already tasked with supporting educational activities and has an existing Environmental Literacy Program. Expanding NOAA's Environmental Literacy Program to include climate education for educators and students is considered a viable and effective use of resources.

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 involvement for all people in climate-related policies and projects, regardless of demographic factors. “Climate literacy” means having knowledge of climate change, its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. “Environmental justice” ensures fair treatment and meaningful involvement in environmental matters, providing equal protection and access. 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 and assets 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 and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, professional associations, and youth corps organizations. State and local educational agencies can receive funding for developing and implementing climate literacy plans aligned with state education standards. Institutions of higher education can receive funding for applied climate research and direct services to local communities. Professional associations can receive funding to build capacity for continuing education in green economy fields. Youth corps organizations can receive funding for community-based climate mitigation and adaptation work with an educational component. The program will establish communities of practice to accelerate learning. Local educational agencies require appropriations exceeding $5,000,000 to be eligible for grants. Funding is allocated with 50% for state/local educational agencies, 30% for higher education, 10% for professional associations, and 10% for youth corps, unless appropriations are below $5,000,000. If appropriations are below $5,000,000, the allocation shifts to 60% for state/local educational agencies and 40% for higher education. Forty percent of funds allocated for higher education and youth corps projects must be directed to environmental justice communities. Grants to local educational agencies must provide a minimum of $1,000,000 if appropriations exceed $5,000,000.

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. The appropriations are authorized for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.

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Climate Change Education Act

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Edward Markey (D-MA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Climate Change Education Program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase climate literacy across the United States.
The program will provide grants and cooperative agreements to state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, professional associations, and youth corps organizations to develop and implement climate education initiatives.
Eligible recipients include organizations serving environmental justice communities, requiring a minimum of 40% of higher education and youth corps funding to be directed towards these communities.
Local educational agencies are eligible for grants requiring appropriations exceeding $5,000,000, with a minimum grant amount of $1,000,000 if appropriations meet that threshold.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is required to submit an annual report to Congress evaluating the program's scientific merits, educational effectiveness, and broader impacts.

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

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