I 
111TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 6194 
To amend the National Environmental Education Act to update, streamline, 
and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
SEPTEMBER 23, 2010 
Mr. POLIS of Colorado (for himself and Mr. CASTLE) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor 
A BILL 
To amend the National Environmental Education Act to 
update, streamline, and modernize that Act, and for 
other purposes. 
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 ‘‘National Environ-
mental Education Reauthorization Act of 2010’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND POLICY. 
Section 2 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5501) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND POLICY. 
‘‘(a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— 
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‘‘(1) threats to human health and environ-
mental quality are increasingly complex, involving a 
wide range of conventional and toxic contaminants 
in the air and water and on the land; 
‘‘(2) there is growing evidence of international 
environmental problems, such as global warming, 
ocean pollution, and declines in species diversity, and 
that those problems pose serious threats to human 
health and the environment on a global scale; 
‘‘(3) environmental problems represent as sig-
nificant a threat to the quality of life and the eco-
nomic vitality of urban areas as they do the natural 
balance of rural areas; 
‘‘(4) to address increasingly serious problems 
associated with pollution and global climate change, 
it is necessary to accelerate deployment of low-car-
bon technologies and clean sources of energy; 
‘‘(5) environmental education is a valuable tool 
to prepare people in the United States to compete 
globally in high-growth, environmentally friendly 
fields, such as— 
‘‘(A) energy efficiency; 
‘‘(B) green building design; 
‘‘(C) commercial scale renewable energy; 
‘‘(D) biofuels; 
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‘‘(E) low-emission vehicles; 
‘‘(F) energy-efficient manufacturing facili-
ties; and 
‘‘(G) the production of environmentally 
friendly products; 
‘‘(6) effective response to complex environ-
mental problems requires understanding of the nat-
ural and built environment, awareness of environ-
mental problems and the origins of those problems 
(including those in urban areas), and the skills to 
solve those problems; 
‘‘(7) development of effective solutions to envi-
ronmental problems and effective implementation of 
environmental programs requires a well-educated 
and trained, professional work force; 
‘‘(8) environmental education provides critical 
tools for that workforce by providing citizens with 
the skills to understand complex environmental 
issues so they may make informed decisions in their 
own lives and find solutions for real world challenges 
facing the United States as a whole; 
‘‘(9) business leaders increasingly believe that 
an environmentally literate workforce is critical to 
the long-term success of businesses in the United 
States; 
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‘‘(10) environmental education helps prepare 
students, citizens, professionals, and people from all 
walks of life to compete for green jobs and business 
in an increasingly competitive global economy; 
‘‘(11) current Federal efforts to inform and 
educate the public concerning the natural and built 
environment and environmental problems are not 
adequate; 
‘‘(12) existing Federal support for development 
and training of professionals in environmental fields 
is not sufficient; 
‘‘(13) the Federal Government, acting through 
the Environmental Protection Agency, should work 
with local educational institutions, State education 
agencies, Indian tribes, tribal education agencies, 
not-for-profit educational and environmental organi-
zations, noncommercial educational broadcast, cable, 
and Internet entities, and private sector interests— 
‘‘(A) to support development of curricula, 
special projects, and other activities; 
‘‘(B) to increase understanding of the nat-
ural and built environment; and 
‘‘(C) to improve awareness of environ-
mental problems; 
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‘‘(14) the Federal Government, acting through 
the coordinated efforts of Federal agencies and with 
the Administrator, should work with local edu-
cational institutions, State education agencies, In-
dian tribes, tribal education agencies, not-for-profit 
educational and environmental organizations, non-
commercial educational broadcasting entities, and 
private sector interests to develop programs to pro-
vide increased emphasis and financial resources for 
the purposes of— 
‘‘(A) attracting students into environ-
mental engineering careers; and 
‘‘(B) assisting the students in pursuing the 
programs to complete the advanced technical 
education required to provide effective problem- 
solving capabilities for complex environmental 
issues; 
‘‘(15) Federal agencies, such as the Forest 
Service, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 
National Park Service, Bureau of Land Manage-
ment, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration, have a wide range of environmental ex-
pertise and a long history of cooperation with edu-
cational institutions and technology transfer that 
can assist in furthering the purposes of this Act; 
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‘‘(16) exposure to the natural environment is 
essential for healthy childhood development and for 
the physical and emotional health of children and 
adults; and 
‘‘(17) the Federal Government, acting through 
the Administrator, should work with local edu-
cational institutions, State education agencies, In-
dian tribes, tribal education agencies, not-for-profit 
educational and environmental organizations, and 
private sector interests to support environmental 
education activities and special projects— 
‘‘(A) to train, educate, and prepare citizens 
for careers in environmentally sustainable fields 
that promote the global transition to less pol-
luting, higher-efficiency technologies and prac-
tices; 
‘‘(B) to increase understanding of the ben-
efits of exposure to the natural environment; 
‘‘(C) to improve understanding of how 
human and natural systems interact together; 
and 
‘‘(D) to broaden awareness of environ-
mental issues. 
‘‘(b) POLICY.—It is the policy of the United States 
to establish and support a program of education on the 
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environment for students, personnel working with stu-
dents, and the general public, through activities in schools, 
institutions of higher education, related educational activi-
ties, the media, the public health and health care profes-
sional communities, and businesses, and to encourage 
postsecondary students to pursue careers relating to the 
environment.’’. 
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
Section 3 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5502) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘In this Act: 
‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Adminis-
trator’ means the Administrator of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency. 
‘‘(2) ADVISORY COUNCIL.—The term ‘Advisory 
Council’ means the National Environmental Edu-
cation Advisory Council established by section 9(a). 
‘‘(3) AGENCY.—The term ‘Agency’ means the 
Environmental Protection Agency. 
‘‘(4) BOARD OF DIRECTORS.—The term ‘Board 
of Directors’ means the Board of Directors of the 
Foundation. 
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‘‘(5) ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.—The term 
‘environmental education’ means formal and non-
formal education— 
‘‘(A) regarding the relevant interrelation-
ships between dynamic environmental and 
human systems, and which results in increasing 
the capacity of a student for decisionmaking 
and stewardship regarding natural and commu-
nity resources; 
‘‘(B) that is specifically designed to foster 
awareness of the environment and associated 
problems; 
‘‘(C) that conveys the knowledge and skills 
to equip the general public to work individually 
and collectively toward solutions to current en-
vironmental problems and the prevention of new 
environmental problems; and 
‘‘(D) the primary societal goals of which 
include— 
‘‘(i) measurable improvement in envi-
ronmental quality in a manner cal-
culated— 
‘‘(I) to foster and promote the 
general welfare; 
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‘‘(II) to create and maintain con-
ditions under which humans and na-
ture can exist in productive harmony; 
and 
‘‘(III) to meet the social, eco-
nomic, and other requirements of 
present and future generations of peo-
ple of the United States; 
‘‘(ii) the provision to the public of op-
portunities to acquire the knowledge, un-
derstanding of science, and skills needed to 
protect and improve the environment; and 
‘‘(iii) the encouragement of actions 
that reflect stewardship of the environment 
by individuals, groups, and society as a 
whole. 
‘‘(6) 
ENVIRONMENTAL
ENGINEERING.—The 
term ‘environmental engineering’ means the dis-
cipline within engineering and science concerned 
with the development and application of scientific 
and technical solutions to protecting the aquatic and 
atmospheric environment, including all phases of 
water resources planning, water supply, water treat-
ment, air pollution characterization and control, re-
mediation of hazardous substances, environmental 
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transport of contaminants in surface and ground 
water and atmosphere, and methods for assessment 
and control of pollution. 
‘‘(7) FEDERAL
AGENCY; 
AGENCY
OF
THE 
UNITED STATES.—The terms ‘Federal agency’ and 
‘agency of the United States’ mean— 
‘‘(A) any department, agency or other in-
strumentality of the Federal Government; and 
‘‘(B) any independent agency or establish-
ment of the Federal Government (including a 
Government corporation). 
‘‘(8) FOUNDATION.—The term ‘Foundation’ 
means the National Environmental Education Foun-
dation established by section 10. 
‘‘(9) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘Indian tribe’ 
means— 
‘‘(A) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 
4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu-
cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)); or 
‘‘(B) a tribal government or consortia with 
a mission or resolution or charter to address 
education or environmental issues. 
‘‘(10) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY.— 
‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘local edu-
cational agency’ has the meaning given the 
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term in section 9101 of the Elementary and 
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
7801). 
‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—The term ‘local edu-
cational agency’ includes a tribal educational 
agency. 
‘‘(11) NONCOMMERCIAL
EDUCATION
BROAD-
CASTING ENTITIES.—The term ‘noncommercial edu-
cation broadcasting entities’ means any noncommer-
cial educational broadcasting station (including any 
legal nonprofit affiliate of such a station), as defined 
and licensed by the Federal Communications Com-
mission. 
‘‘(12) NONFORMAL
EDUCATION.—The term 
‘nonformal education’ means any organized edu-
cational activity outside the established formal edu-
cational system, whether operating separately or as 
an important feature of some broader activity linked 
with community groups and other organizations. 
‘‘(13) NOT-FOR-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION.—The 
term ‘not-for-profit organization’ means an organiza-
tion, association, or institution described in section 
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that 
is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that 
Code. 
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‘‘(14) PROGRAM.—The term ‘program’ means 
the Environmental Education and Training Program 
established by section 5(a). 
‘‘(15) 
SECRETARY.—The 
term 
‘Secretary’ 
means the Secretary of Education. 
‘‘(16) TRIBAL
EDUCATIONAL
AGENCY.—The 
term ‘tribal education agency’ means a school or 
community college that is— 
‘‘(A) controlled by an Indian tribe or Alas-
ka Native Village; and 
‘‘(B) not administered by the Bureau of 
Indian Affairs.’’. 
SEC. 4. OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. 
Section 4 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5503) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 4. OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator shall es-
tablish within the Environmental Protection Agency an 
Office of Environmental Education. 
‘‘(b) DUTIES.—The Office of Environmental Edu-
cation shall— 
‘‘(1) develop and support programs and related 
efforts, in consultation and coordination with other 
Federal agencies, to improve understanding of the 
natural and built environment, the benefits of expo-
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sure to the natural environment, and the relation-
ships between humans and the environment, includ-
ing the global aspects of environmental problems; 
‘‘(2)(A) develop and support programs and re-
lated efforts that educate the general public on the 
benefits of reducing dependence on nonrenewable 
forms of energy, including— 
‘‘(i) the benefits such a reduction may have 
on global climate change; and 
‘‘(ii) the benefits of energy conservation; 
and 
‘‘(B) promote efforts to prepare citizens for em-
ployment in environmentally friendly fields that con-
tribute to healthy communities; 
‘‘(3) support development and the widest prac-
ticable dissemination of model curricula, educational 
materials, and training programs for elementary and 
secondary students and other interested groups, in-
cluding senior citizens in the United States; 
‘‘(4) develop and disseminate, in cooperation 
with other Federal agencies, not-for-profit edu-
cational and environmental organizations, State 
agencies, Indian tribes, tribal education agencies, 
and noncommercial educational broadcast, cable, and 
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Internet entities, environmental education publica-
tions, and audio/visual and other media materials; 
‘‘(5) develop and support environmental edu-
cation seminars, training programs, teleconferences, 
and workshops for environmental education profes-
sionals, as provided for in section 5; 
‘‘(6) manage Federal grant assistance provided 
to local educational agencies, institutions of higher 
education, other not-for-profit organizations, and 
electronic education outreach entities, including 
broadcast, cable, and Internet entities, under sec-
tions 5 and 6; 
‘‘(7) ensure the operation of the environmental 
education and training program under section 5; 
‘‘(8) promote research, development, and eval-
uation of effective approaches to achieving an envi-
ronmentally literate population, as well as an im-
proved environment; 
‘‘(9) administer the environmental fellowship 
programs provided for in section 7; 
‘‘(10) administer the environmental awards pro-
gram provided for in section 8; 
‘‘(11) provide staff support to the Advisory 
Council provided for in section 9; 
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agencies, State education and natural resource agen-
cies, Indian tribes, tribal education agencies, and 
others; and 
‘‘(16) otherwise provide for the implementation 
of this Act. 
‘‘(c) DIRECTOR.—The Office of Environmental Edu-
cation shall— 
‘‘(1) be directed by a Director, who shall be a 
member of the Senior Executive Service; 
‘‘(2) include a headquarters staff of not less 
than 6 full-time equivalent employees; and 
‘‘(3) be supported by at least 1 full-time equiva-
lent employee in each Agency regional office.’’. 
SEC. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PRO-
GRAM. 
Section 5 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5504) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PRO-
GRAM. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established an En-
vironmental Education and Training Program, the pur-
pose of which shall be to train education professionals in 
the development and delivery of environmental education 
and training programs and studies. 
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‘‘(b) FUNCTION
AND ACTIVITIES.—The functions 
and activities of the program shall include, at a min-
imum— 
‘‘(1) classroom and online training in environ-
mental education and studies, including environ-
mental sciences and theory, educational methods and 
practices, environmental career or occupational edu-
cation, and topical environmental issues and prob-
lems; 
‘‘(2) demonstration of the design and conduct 
of environmental field studies and assessments; 
‘‘(3) development and dissemination of environ-
mental education programs and curriculum, includ-
ing programs and curriculum to meet the needs of 
diverse ethnic and cultural groups; 
‘‘(4) sponsorship and management of inter-
national exchanges of teachers and other educational 
professionals between the United States, Canada, 
and Mexico involved in environmental programs and 
issues; 
‘‘(5) maintenance or support of an electronic li-
brary of environmental education materials, informa-
tion, literature, and technologies, with electronic as 
well as hard copy accessibility; 
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‘‘(6) review, evaluation, and dissemination of 
environmental education materials, training meth-
ods, and related programs; 
‘‘(7) sponsorship of conferences, seminars, and 
related forums for the advancement and development 
of environmental education and training curricula 
and materials, including international conferences, 
seminars, and forums; 
‘‘(8) support of effective partnerships and net-
works, as well as other education and environmental 
organizations, and the use of distant learning tech-
nologies with such entities, to leverage resources for 
the delivery of environmental education; 
‘‘(9) provision of assistance to college and uni-
versity faculty to incorporate environmental edu-
cation in the training provided to future and current 
teachers and to educators working in informal set-
tings; 
‘‘(10) development and implementation of an 
environmental education teacher’s resource and cur-
riculum review program; 
‘‘(11) support of the development and imple-
mentation of a professional certification program for 
environmental educators; 
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‘‘(12) support of the integration of environ-
mental education into kindergarten through 12th 
grade teacher pre-service training; and 
‘‘(13) such other activities as the Administrator 
determines to be consistent with the policies of this 
Act, with particular emphasis on developing environ-
mental education programs, workshops, and training 
tools that are portable and can be broadly dissemi-
nated. 
‘‘(c) GRANTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Administrator shall 
provide grants to institutions of higher education or 
other institutions that are not-for-profit institutions 
(or consortia of such institutions) to operate the pro-
gram required by this section. 
‘‘(2) TERM OF GRANT.—A grant provided to an 
institution of higher education or consortia under 
paragraph (1) shall have a multiyear term, as deter-
mined by the Administrator. 
‘‘(3) APPLICATION.—Any institution of higher 
education or other institution (or consortia of such 
institutions) that is a not-for-profit organization and 
is interested in receiving a grant under this section 
may submit to the Administrator an application in 
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such form and containing such information as the 
Administrator may require. 
‘‘(4) CRITERIA FOR PROVISION OF GRANTS.— 
The Administrator shall provide grants under this 
section on the basis of, with respect to the institu-
tion or consortia under consideration— 
‘‘(A) the capability to develop environ-
mental education and training programs; 
‘‘(B) the capability to deliver training to a 
range of participants and in a range of settings; 
‘‘(C) the expertise of the staff in a range 
of appropriate disciplines; 
‘‘(D) the relative economic effectiveness of 
the program in terms of the ratio of overhead 
costs to direct services; 
‘‘(E) the capability to make effective use of 
existing national environmental education re-
sources and programs; 
‘‘(F) the results of any evaluation under 
paragraph (6); and 
‘‘(G) such other factors as the Adminis-
trator determines to be appropriate. 
‘‘(5) PROHIBITION
ON
USE
OF
FUNDS.—No 
funds made available to carry out this section shall 
be used for the acquisition of real property (includ-
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ing buildings) or the construction or substantial 
modification of any building. 
‘‘(6) 
REVIEW, 
EVALUATION, 
AND
TERMI-
NATION.—The Administrator shall establish proce-
dures for— 
‘‘(A) a careful and detailed review and 
evaluation of the program to determine whether 
the quality of the program being operated by 
the grantee warrants continued support under 
this section; and 
‘‘(B) the termination of a grant to operate 
the program if the Administrator determines 
that the quality of the program does not war-
rant continued support. 
‘‘(d) ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION.—Individuals 
eligible for participation in the program are— 
‘‘(1) teachers, faculty, administrators, and re-
lated support staff associated with local educational 
agencies, colleges, and universities; 
‘‘(2) employees of State education, environ-
mental protection, and natural resource depart-
ments; 
‘‘(3) employees of Indian tribes, tribal edu-
cation agencies, and tribal environment and natural 
resource departments; and 
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‘‘(4) employees of not-for-profit organizations 
involved in environmental education activities and 
issues.’’. 
SEC. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS. 
Section 6 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5505) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION GRANTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may enter 
into a cooperative agreement or contract, or provide finan-
cial assistance in the form of a grant, to support projects 
to design, demonstrate, or disseminate practices, methods, 
or techniques relating to environmental education and 
training. 
‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.—Activities eligible for 
grant support pursuant to this section shall include— 
‘‘(1) environmental education and training pro-
grams for— 
‘‘(A) design, demonstration, or dissemina-
tion of environmental curricula, including devel-
opment of educational tools and materials; 
‘‘(B) design and demonstration of field 
methods, practices, and techniques, including 
assessment of environmental and ecological con-
ditions and analysis of environmental pollution 
problems; 
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‘‘(C) projects to understand and assess a 
specific environmental issue or a specific envi-
ronmental problem; 
‘‘(D) provision of training or related edu-
cation for teachers, faculty, or related personnel 
in a specific geographical area or region; and 
‘‘(E) design and demonstration of projects 
to foster international cooperation in addressing 
environmental issues and problems involving the 
United States and Canada or Mexico; and 
‘‘(2) projects that— 
‘‘(A) support environmental education re-
search, including through— 
‘‘(i) the provision of assistance to 
Federal, State, tribal, and local officials 
and not-for-profit entities in applying the 
results of environmental education re-
search; and 
‘‘(ii) the development of improved 
methods and tools with wide applicability 
to evaluate, rate, and assess the effective-
ness of environmental education; 
‘‘(B) develop broad awareness about the 
need of people in the United States for environ-
mental education by engaging businesses and 
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business associations, health care providers and 
related associations, and other sectors to en-
courage the application of environmental edu-
cation practices and knowledge; 
‘‘(C) disseminate environmental education 
resources to formal and nonformal education 
organizations; 
‘‘(D) provide training or related profes-
sional development for formal and nonformal 
environmental educators or related personnel; 
‘‘(E) design, demonstrate, or disseminate 
environmental curricula and encourage the 
adoption of the curricula by educational institu-
tions, including development of environmental 
education tools and materials; 
‘‘(F) encourage the integration of environ-
mental education into science, technology, engi-
neering and math education, after-school edu-
cation, graduation, and promotion require-
ments, service learning, and civic education; 
‘‘(G) design and demonstrate innovative 
field methods, practices, and techniques that 
advance environmental education; 
‘‘(H) promote the study and use of how 
human and natural systems interact together to 
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address domestic and international environ-
mental problems; 
‘‘(I) promote understanding of the impacts 
of large segments of society spending increasing 
amounts of time indoors and assess the value of 
exposure to the natural environment on physical 
and mental health; 
‘‘(J) improve understanding and assess-
ment of a specific environmental issue or a spe-
cific environmental problem; 
‘‘(K) promote the implementation of com-
prehensive green school initiatives that seek to 
produce 
environmentally 
literate 
students 
while— 
‘‘(i) minimizing or eliminating the en-
vironmental footprint of a school; and 
‘‘(ii) using the built and natural envi-
ronments as a learning laboratory and a 
model of best practice for the local commu-
nity; 
‘‘(L) foster international cooperation in ad-
dressing environmental issues and problems in-
volving the United States and Canada or Mex-
ico; 
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‘‘(M) encourage new, leveraged public or 
private funding for environmental education; 
and 
‘‘(N) support a professional network of en-
vironmental education researchers. 
‘‘(c) PRIORITY.—In providing grants pursuant to this 
section, the Administrator shall give priority to those pro-
posed projects that will develop— 
‘‘(1) a new, innovative, or significantly im-
proved environmental education practice, method, or 
technique that is likely to result in increased envi-
ronmental literacy or educate and train citizens in 
fields that promote the sustainability of natural re-
sources; 
‘‘(2) an environmental education practice, meth-
od, or technique that— 
‘‘(A) may have wide application; 
‘‘(B) can be easily replicated; and 
‘‘(C) can improve the systems for delivery 
of effective environmental education at the na-
tional, regional, and local levels; 
‘‘(3) adequate capacity within organizations for 
the education of citizens and the use of multidisci-
plinary approaches with respect to environmental 
issues; 
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‘‘(4) an environmental education practice, meth-
od, or technique that— 
‘‘(A) addresses an environmental issue 
through field-based, quantitative, qualitative, or 
mixed methodological research; 
‘‘(B) has applicability at the community 
level; and 
‘‘(C) encourages service learning through 
volunteerism; 
‘‘(5) effective national, regional, State, and trib-
al environmental education-related organizations, 
consortia, and alliances to educate citizens regarding 
how their actions, individually and collectively, affect 
environmental quality; 
‘‘(6) collaboration, including sharing of re-
sources and expertise, among environmental edu-
cation organizations and across sectors; or 
‘‘(7) an environmental education practice, meth-
od, or technique that addresses an environmental 
issue which, in the judgment of the Administrator, 
is of a high priority. 
‘‘(d) ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.—Any local, State, or 
tribal agency, college or university, not-for-profit organiza-
tion, or noncommercial educational broadcasting entity 
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may submit an application to the Administrator in re-
sponse to a solicitation published under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(e) PERFORMANCE OF PROJECT.—Each project cov-
ered by an application approved under this section shall 
be performed by the applicant, or by a person satisfactory 
to the applicant and the Administrator. 
‘‘(f) COST-SHARING.— 
‘‘(1) FEDERAL AND NON-FEDERAL SHARES.— 
Except as provided in paragraph (2)— 
‘‘(A) the Federal share of the cost of a 
project funded by a grant provided under this 
section shall not exceed 75 percent of the total 
cost of the project; and 
‘‘(B) the non-Federal share of the cost of 
a project described in subparagraph (A) may be 
provided in the form of in-kind contributions 
and other noncash support. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—In a case in which the Ad-
ministrator determines that a proposed project mer-
its support and cannot be undertaken without a 
higher rate of Federal support, the Administrator 
may approve a grant under this section with a 
matching requirement other than that specified in 
this subsection, including a Federal share of up to 
100 percent. 
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‘‘(g) MAXIMUM GRANT AMOUNT.—A grant provided 
under this section shall not exceed $500,000.’’. 
SEC. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FELLOWSHIPS. 
Section 7 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5506) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FELLOWSHIPS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may enter 
into a cooperative agreement or provide financial assist-
ance in the form of a grant to establish a program to pro-
vide for fellowships to postsecondary-level students. 
‘‘(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of a fellowship pro-
vided pursuant to this section shall be to provide students 
with an opportunity to train with professional staff of the 
Environmental Protection Agency and nongovernmental 
organizations involved in environmental issues to gain an 
understanding and appreciation of issues addressed by, 
and the skills and abilities possessed by, those staff. 
‘‘(c) MANAGEMENT.—The fellowship program shall 
be managed by the Office of Environmental Education. 
‘‘(d) ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS.—Individuals eligible 
for participation in the fellowship program shall be stu-
dents enrolled at accredited colleges or universities who 
have successfully completed not less than 4 courses (or 
the equivalent) in environmental sciences or related stud-
ies, as determined by the Administrator.’’. 
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SEC. 8. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AWARDS. 
Section 8 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5507) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 8. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AWARDS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall provide 
for national awards recognizing outstanding contributions 
to environmental education. 
‘‘(b) SPECIFIC AWARDS.—In carrying out this sec-
tion, the Administrator may develop and administer 
awards to be known as the ‘President’s Environmental 
Youth Awards’, to be given to children in grades kinder-
garten through 12 for outstanding projects to promote 
local environmental awareness.’’. 
SEC. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL. 
Section 9 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5508) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUN-
CIL. 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—There is established a 
council, to be known as the ‘National Environmental 
Education Advisory Council’. 
‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The Advisory Council 
shall consist of up to 11 individuals, appointed by 
the Administrator, with expertise in environmental 
education. 
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‘‘(3) TERM.—Each member of the Advisory 
Council shall hold office for a term of 3 years, ex-
cept that— 
‘‘(A) any member appointed to fill a va-
cancy occurring prior to the expiration of the 
term for which the predecessor of the member 
was appointed shall be appointed for the re-
mainder of that term; and 
‘‘(B) the terms of the members first taking 
office, as designated by the Administrator at 
the time of appointment, shall expire as follows: 
‘‘(i) Four shall expire 3 years after 
the date of enactment of the National En-
vironmental 
Education 
Reauthorization 
Act of 2010. 
‘‘(ii) Four shall expire 2 years after 
that date. 
‘‘(iii) Three shall expire 1 year after 
that date. 
‘‘(b) DUTIES.—The Advisory Council shall advise, 
consult with, and make recommendations to, the Adminis-
trator on matters relating to activities, functions, and poli-
cies, including grants, of the Agency under this Act. 
‘‘(c) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS.— 
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‘‘(1) NON-FEDERAL
EMPLOYEES.—A member 
of the Advisory Council who is not an officer or em-
ployee of the Federal Government may be com-
pensated at a rate fixed by the Administrator, but 
not exceeding the daily equivalent of the annual rate 
of basic pay in effect for grade GS–15 of the Gen-
eral Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United 
States Code, for each day (including travel time) 
during which the member is engaged in the perform-
ance of the duties of the Advisory Council. 
‘‘(2) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—A member of the 
Advisory Council who is an officer or employee of 
the Federal Government shall serve without com-
pensation in addition to the compensation received 
for the services of the member as an officer or em-
ployee of the Federal Government. 
‘‘(3) TRAVEL
EXPENSES.—A member of the 
Advisory Council shall be allowed travel expenses, in-
cluding per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates au-
thorized for an employee of an agency under sub-
chapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
Code, while away from the home or regular place of 
business of the member in the performance of the 
duties of the Advisory Council. 
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‘‘(d) APPLICABILITY OF FACA.—Section 14(a) of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not 
apply to the Advisory Council.’’. 
SEC. 10. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDA-
TION. 
Section 10 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5509) is amended— 
(1) by striking the section designation and 
heading and inserting the following: 
‘‘SEC. 10. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUN-
DATION.’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)(1)(A)— 
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘Na-
tional Environmental Education and Training 
Foundation’’ and inserting ‘‘National Environ-
mental Education Foundation’’; and 
(B) in the second sentence, by inserting 
‘‘to work cooperatively with the private sector 
to undertake projects, programs, or initiatives 
that promote environmental education’’ after 
‘‘advanced educational system’’; 
(3) in subsection (b)(1)(A), in the first sen-
tence, by striking ‘‘13 directors’’ and inserting ‘‘not 
fewer than 9 nor more than 15 directors’’; and 
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(4) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(d) CONDITIONS ON DONATIONS.—For the purposes 
of this section, a gift, devise, bequest, property (either real 
or personal), voluntary services, or any other thing of 
value may be accepted by the Foundation even if it is en-
cumbered, restricted, or subject to beneficial interests of 
private persons if, in the judgment of the Board— 
‘‘(1) any current or future interest in the gift, 
devise, bequest, property (either real or personal), 
voluntary services, or any other thing of value is for 
the benefit of the Foundation; and 
‘‘(2) any explicit or implied requirement of such 
a gift, devise, bequest, property (either real or per-
sonal), voluntary services, or any other thing of 
value is consistent with the environmental and edu-
cation goals and policies of the Environmental Pro-
tection Agency and with the intents and purposes of 
this Act.’’. 
SEC. 11. FUNDING. 
Section 11 of the National Environmental Education 
Act (20 U.S.C. 5510) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 11. FUNDING. 
‘‘(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— 
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ronmental Education Advisory Council under 
section 9. 
‘‘(B) Twenty-five percent for the operation 
of the environmental education and training 
program under section 5. 
‘‘(C) At least 35 percent for environmental 
education grants under section 6. 
‘‘(D) Ten percent for support of the Na-
tional Environmental Education Foundation 
under section 10. 
‘‘(b) AMOUNTS FOR FOUNDATION.—If the Adminis-
trator determines that funds provided to the Foundation 
will be used to carry out the purposes of the Foundation 
in a manner consistent with the goals, objectives, and pro-
grams of this Act, funds may be so provided— 
‘‘(1) to match partially or wholly the amount or 
value of contributions (whether in currency, services, 
or property) made to the Foundation by private per-
sons and State, local, and tribal governments; and 
‘‘(2) to provide administrative services under 
section 10(e).’’. 
SEC. 12. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. 
(a) Section 7(f)(2) of the National Environmental 
Education Act (20 U.S.C. 5506(f)(2)) is amended by 
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striking ‘‘local education agency’’ and inserting ‘‘local edu-
cational agency’’. 
(b) Section 8(e) of the National Environmental Edu-
cation Act (20 U.S.C. 5507(e)) is amended in paragraphs 
(1) and (3) by striking ‘‘local education agency’’ each 
place it appears and inserting ‘‘local educational agency’’. 
(c) The table of contents of the National Environ-
mental Education Act (20 U.S.C. prec. 5501) is amended 
by striking the items relating to sections 2 through 11 
and inserting the following: 
‘‘Sec. 2. Findings and policy. 
‘‘Sec. 3. Definitions. 
‘‘Sec. 4. Office of Environmental Education. 
‘‘Sec. 5. Environmental Education and Training Program. 
‘‘Sec. 6. Environmental education grants. 
‘‘Sec. 7. Environmental fellowships. 
‘‘Sec. 8. Environmental education awards. 
‘‘Sec. 9. Environmental Education Advisory Council. 
‘‘Sec. 10. National Environmental Education Foundation. 
‘‘Sec. 11. Funding.’’. 
Æ 
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