[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 109 (Tuesday, July 14, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5064-S5065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 2230. Mr. MARKEY submitted an amendment intended to be proposed to 
amendment SA 2089 submitted by Mr. Alexander (for himself and Mrs. 
Murray) to the bill S. 1177, to reauthorize the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 to ensure that every child achieves; 
which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of title V, add the following:

     SEC. 5011. CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION.

       (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the 
     ``Climate Change Education Act''.
       (b) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) carbon pollution is 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) climate change is already impacting the United States 
     with sea level rise, ocean acidification, and more frequent 
     or intense extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy 
     rainfalls, droughts, floods, and wildfires;
       (3) the scientific evidence for human-induced climate 
     change is overwhelming and undeniable as demonstrated by 
     statements from the National Academy of Sciences, the 
     National Climate Assessment, and numerous other science 
     professional organizations in the United States;
       (4) the United States has a responsibility to children and 
     future generations of the United States to address the 
     harmful effects of climate change;
       (5) providing clear information about climate change, in a 
     variety of forms, can encourage individuals and communities 
     to take action;
       (6) the actions of a single nation cannot solve the climate 
     crisis, so solutions that address both mitigation and 
     adaptation must involve developed and developing nations 
     around the world;
       (7) investing in the development of innovative clean energy 
     and energy efficiency technologies will--
       (A) enhance the global leadership and competitiveness of 
     the United States; and
       (B) create and sustain short and long term job growth;
       (8) implementation of measures that promote energy 
     efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, and low-carbon 
     fossil energy will greatly reduce human impact on the 
     environment; and

[[Page S5065]]

       (9) education about climate change is important to ensure 
     the future generation of leaders is well-informed about the 
     challenges facing our planet in order to make decisions based 
     on science and fact.
       (c) Amendment to ESEA.--Title V of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7201 et seq.), as 
     amended by section 5010, is further amended by adding at the 
     end the following:

                   ``PART J--CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION

     ``SEC. 5911. CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to--
       ``(1) broaden the understanding of human induced climate 
     change, possible long and short-term consequences, and 
     potential solutions;
       ``(2) provide learning opportunities in climate science 
     education for all students through grade 12, including those 
     of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds;
       ``(3) emphasize actionable information to help students 
     understand how to utilize new technologies and programs 
     related to energy conservation, clean energy, and carbon 
     pollution reduction; and
       ``(4) inform the public of impacts to human health and 
     safety as a result of climate change.
       ``(b) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary, in consultation 
     with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 
     Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of 
     Energy, shall establish a competitive grant program to 
     provide grants to States to--
       ``(1) develop or improve climate science curriculum and 
     supplementary educational materials for grades kindergarten 
     through grade 12;
       ``(2) initiate, develop, expand, or implement statewide 
     plans and programs for climate change education, including 
     relevant teacher training and professional development and 
     multidisciplinary studies to ensure that students graduate 
     from high school climate literate; or
       ``(3) create State green school building standards or 
     policies.
       ``(c) Application.--A State desiring to receive a grant 
     under this section shall submit an application to the 
     Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by 
     such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
       ``(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, 
     the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report that 
     evaluates the scientific merits, educational effectiveness, 
     and broader impacts of activities under this section.
       ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such 
     sums as may be necessary.''.
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