AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, to create a climate change education pilot program in Maine public schools is now law. Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill May 3.
LD 1902 establishes the Climate Education Professional Development Pilot Program, a three-year program that will provide professional development grants for educators on Next Generation Science Standards and interdisciplinary climate education. Under the pilot program, school districts will be able to receive grant funding to partner with nonprofit community-based organizations to create and implement teacher training plans.
"The broad grassroots support among teachers and students to pass and fund this bill was most impressive," said Blume. "I see it as an important investment in our young people as we prepare for the future challenges and opportunities because of climate change. The timing is also exactly aligned with the strategies in Maine's current climate action plan. What a happy triumph and cause for hope!"
The measure will go into effect Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.
Blume is serving her fourth term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents House District 3, the coastal part of York. She serves on both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Marine Resources Committee. She is an appointed member of the Maine Climate Council and is the chair of the Legislature's bipartisan Coastal and Climate Action Caucus.
Photo caption: Rep. Lydia Blume and supporters join Gov. Janet Mills at a bill signing ceremony for LD 1902, Blumes bill to create a climate change education pilot program.
Contact:
Jenna Howard [Blume], c. 214-3185
From left to right: Hannah Pingree, Beth Ahearn, Ania Wright, Susan Kraus, Cole Cochrane, Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York, Gov. Janet Mills, Diana Allen, Carey Hotaling, Roger Stevenson, Kosisochukwu Ifeji, Ogechi Obi, Angela Mavrich and Nathan Broaddus.