Lincoln Chafee: “I join Senator Inhofe in urging the Senate to pass S. 1873, the National Environmental Education Act Amendments of 1996.…”

“I join Senator Inhofe in urging the Senate to pass S. 1873, the National Environmental Education Act Amendments of 1996. I commend Senator Inhofe for his leadership on this bill. Mr. Inhofe and other members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have crafted a reauthorization of the National Environmental Education Act of 1990. It is a bipartisan bill sponsored by 11 members of the Environment and Public Works Committee, including myself and Senators Inhofe, Baucus, Lieberman, Faircloth, Kempthorne, Moynihan, Reid, Lautenberg, Smith, and Graham. S. 1873 extends the authorization for programs authorized by the National Environmental Education Act until 2007. The bill also includes a number of changes to make programs authorized under the act operate more effectively and efficiently. The goal of the National Environmental Education Act is to increase public understanding of the environment and to advance and develop environmental education and training. The act has been successful in supporting environmental education through grants and training programs aimed at schools, nature centers, museums, and other educational organizations. The act has benefited thousands of teachers and millions of students--children and adults. Educational programs supported through this act increase the public's awareness and knowledge about environmental issues, and provide them with the skills needed to make informed decisions.”