Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva applauds the passage of legislation to strengthen environmental education experiences for schoolchildren both inside and outside of the nation’s classrooms.

The No Child Left Inside Act, H.R. 3036 would improve existing environmental education programs by providing states with resources to train teachers, develop research based programs and create environmental literacy plans to ensure that students understand the role of the environment as a natural resource.

Rep. Grijalva is an original co-sponsor of the bill.

“There is a disturbing trend of our children turning away from outdoor activity,” said Rep. Grijalva. “No Child Left Inside addresses the essential question of what legacy we leave for our children and promotes environmental literacy and, hands on, educational experiences, while at the same time promoting core learning of critical skills. This legislation is important for our environment, as it educates the next generation, who will inherit a planet whose fragile habitats will increasingly need our help and protection. As a member of Education and Labor Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, this act represents an important confluence of my interest, and I am happy to support this legislation.”

H.R. 3036 is supported by a broad coalition of environmental and education organizations, including the American Recreation Coalition, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, League of Conservation Voters, National Council for Science and the Environment, National Education Association, National Parks Conservation Association, National Science Teachers Association, National Wildlife Federation, North American Association of Environmental Education, Outdoor Industry Association, Wilderness Education Association, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the YMCA of the USA.