Bill > S01344

This bill establishes the New York State Environmental Sustainability Education Act, which requires the Department of Education to develop a comprehensive environmental sustainability education program for K-12 public schools. The program aims to teach students about the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and social systems, and empower them to become active citizens in creating a sustainable future. Rooted in the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the bill defines sustainability as development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to do the same. The education program will be developed in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation and will include age-appropriate lesson plans that integrate sustainability principles across multiple subjects such as science, arts, mathematics, and social studies. Key program features include promoting cross-curricular learning, raising awareness about ecological and social systems, emphasizing the impact of human activities on the environment, and developing assessment strategies that focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. The bill recognizes the critical importance of equipping New York's students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to address environmental challenges and create a sustainable future.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1344