[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE 2014 GREEN RIBBON SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2014

  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Chairman of the Green 
Schools Caucus to highlight the important contributions of the 
Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program and to 
congratulate all the schools recognized as 2014 Green Ribbon Schools. 
This program began in 2011, and seeks to encourage schools, school 
districts, and institutions of higher education to adopt practices 
focused on sustainability, health, and environmental education.
  The Green Ribbon Schools Program offers awards for outstanding 
performance based on three categories of achievement. Schools and 
districts are first evaluated on the basis of success in reducing their 
overall environmental impact. The award also evaluates school and 
district strategies to improve the health and wellness of students and 
staff. Lastly, the Green Ribbon Schools Program examines the extent to 
which environmental education is offered, and whether those programs 
incorporate STEM subjects, civics, and green career counseling. All 
those recognized this year have made exceptional strides in each of 
these areas.
  Those recognized are invited to Washington, DC each year to share 
their experiences and discuss best practices with other leaders in the 
field. This process of sharing information and highlighting the 
achievements of individual schools and districts offers an incentive 
for others to work toward a common goal of a more sustainable future. 
It also offers the chance for school officials to compare and contrast 
strategies for improving curriculums, engage on ways to implement these 
strategies, and share their successes with others.
  At a time when we seek to reduce our carbon footprint, initiatives 
such as the Green Ribbon Schools Program are a valuable step toward 
lessening our impact on the environment and educating others as how 
best to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. Our schools are 
well positioned to be leaders in the effort to combat climate change 
and I commend those schools and districts who have chosen to 
participate.
  Congratulations again to those who have been recognized as 2014 Green 
Ribbon Schools.

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