Bill Text: NJ SJR89 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates April 22 of each year a Environmental Education Day in NJ.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-07-06 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee [SJR89 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-SJR89-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator PATRICK J. DIEGNAN, JR.
District 18 (Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates April 22 of each year as Environmental Education Day in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating April 22 of each year as Environmental Education Day in New Jersey.
Whereas, April 22 of each year is Earth Day, an annual celebration of the environment and the importance of environmental protection; and
Whereas, Since 1970, the year of the first Earth Day, environmental education has been taught at many schools across the United States and has produced many academic and physical health benefits among students; and
Whereas, Environmental education builds emotional and social skills including self-esteem, character development, teamwork and leadership skills, and climate literacy by encouraging students to research and think critically about complex environmental issues; and
Whereas, Schools that have integrated environmental education into their curriculums have seen improvements in students' overall academic performances through elevated test scores and in the further development of students' critical thinking skills such as data analysis, problem-solving, and developing conclusions; a skillset that can be applied to many other disciplines such as social studies, language arts, mathematics, engineering, fine arts, and technology; and
Whereas, Environmental education emphasizes the use of experimental learning and hands-on activities, which contributes to greater long-term retention of academic material among students and improves morale and enthusiasm among teachers by allowing teachers to utilize more innovative instructional strategies within the classroom; and
Whereas, Outdoor learning, frequently utilized in environmental education, has been found to improve students' physical health by promoting healthy lifestyle choices while also improving various health issues such as obesity, asthma, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and
Whereas, Students who have been taught environmental education are also better prepared for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM industries, which are currently in high demand and are expected to grow in the future; and
Whereas, Environmental education promotes civic engagement and environmental awareness among students, which better equips students to participate in lifelong environmental decision-making and stewardship; and
Whereas,
Environmental education continues to gain support from individuals, educational
institutions, non-profit organizations, government entities, and commercial
enterprises across the world; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. April 22 of each year is designated as Environmental Education Day in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon New Jersey schools and educators to observe "Environmental Education Day" with appropriate events and activities.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates April 22 of each year as Environmental Education Day in New Jersey.
Integrating environmental education within school curriculums has produced significant academic and physical health benefits among students, while also preparing students for future careers. Environmental education boosts students' test scores, increases long-term retention of academic material, and further develops students' critical thinking skills, social skills, and leadership skills. Outdoor learning, commonly utilized in environmental education, encourages healthy lifestyle choices and improves asthma, obesity, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among students.
Teaching younger generations about complex environmental issues fosters greater civic engagement and environmental awareness among students, which increases students' ability to participate in lifelong environmental stewardship and decision-making. For these reasons, schools should encourage environmental education within their curriculum and observe "Environmental Education Day" on April 22 of each year.
