I
104TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. R. 4175
To require the Secretary of Education to investigate the feasibility of
establishing a National Environmental Science and Policy Academy.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SEPTEMBER 25, 1996
Mr. LAZIO of New York introduced the following bill; which was referred to
the Committee on Science, and in addition to the Committee on Economic
and Educational Opportunities, for a period to be subsequently deter-
mined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions
as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Education to investigate the
feasibility of establishing a National Environmental
Science and Policy Academy.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Environmental De-
fense Act of 1996’’.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that the Federal Government
should make a commitment to battle the Nation’s environ-
mental problems and ensure that the country’s leadership
needs are met in the fields of environmental science and
policy.
SEC. 3. INVESTIGATION AND REPORT.
(a) INVESTIGATION.—The Secretary of Education
shall conduct an investigation of the feasibility of estab-
lishment by the Federal Government of a National Envi-
ronmental Science and Policy Academy that would fulfill
the purposes described in subsection (c). In conducting
such investigation, the Secretary shall—
(1) consider the feasibility of establishing a na-
tional academy for undergraduate and graduate pro-
grams in a broad spectrum of environmental fields;
(2) consider academy management, funding,
and location, the selection process for academy stu-
dents, curriculum requirements for graduation, and
service requirements for academy graduates; and
(3) consult with other appropriate Federal
agencies and with existing national nonprofit organi-
zations that have generally recognized ethical or
techinical standards (or both) for environmental pro-
fessionals.
(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Within 6 months after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Edu-
cation shall submit to the Congress a report on the results
of the investigation conducted pursuant to subsection (a).
Such report shall include—
(1) a recommendation on the feasibility of es-
tablishing a National Environmental Science and
Policy Academy and the most appropriate operating
and management policy for that academy;
(2) a recommendation on fields of study and de-
grees;
(3) a determination of the most appropriate
funding mechanism for the academy, such as oper-
ational grants, private endowments, or requirements
for matching funds;
(4) a recommendation on academy location,
such as single site, use of existing campuses, or es-
tablishment of national-level programs at the ‘‘land
grant’’ colleges;
(5) a recommendation on service requirements
of academy graduates, at Federal, State, or local
levels; and
(6) the Secretary’s recommendations for legisla-
tive or administrative action to achieve the establish-
ment of a National Environmental Science and Pol-
icy Academy.
(c) PURPOSES OF ACADEMY.—The establishment of
a National Environmental Science and Policy Academy
should be directed at achieving the following purposes:
(1) to serve as a national symbol of commit-
ment to the environment, much as West Point and
other service academies have done for defense; and
(2) to provide common points of reference for
environmental issues.
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