Bill · H.R. 8406· House(119-HR-8406)
Climate Change Education Act
- Introduced
- 4/21/2026
- Last activity
- 4/21/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Debbie Dingell
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Climate Change Education Act requires the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a Climate Change Education Program. This program aims to increase climate literacy through formal and nonformal learning for individuals of all ages. It includes the creation of a grant and cooperative agreement system for various entities. These entities include state educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and professional associations. The Act also seeks to promote climate resilience, justice, and the implementation of new technologies.
Yes· 3 of 14
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill implements climate literacy plans for grades 4 through 12.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill provides specific educational frameworks, career pathways, and research opportunities for students.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+5
The bill directs 40 percent of certain funds specifically toward environmental justice communities, which include significant representations of communities of color.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Climate Literacy: The program aims to broaden the understanding of climate change and its consequences for people of all ages (Section 4).
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Educational Opportunities for Students: State educational agencies can implement climate literacy plans for grades 4 through 12 to ensure students graduate with necessary knowledge (Section 5(a)(1)(A)).
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Professional Development for Educators: The bill provides for relevant training and mentorship frameworks for teachers (Section 5(a)(1)(B)(I)).
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Career and Economic Preparation: The program emphasizes information regarding new jobs, career training, and incentives related to climate change, including the development of career pathways in high-demand climate-related jobs (Section 4 and Section 5(a)(1)(B)(V)).
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Community Research and Service: Institutions of higher education can engage faculty and students to deliver direct services related to local climate mitigation and adaptation issues (Section 5(a)(2)).
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Support for Environmental Justice Communities: The bill directs 40 percent of certain allocated amounts toward environmental justice communities (Section 5(d)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restrictions on Local Educational Agency Funding: The Administrator is prohibited from awarding grants or agreements directly to a local educational agency unless the amounts appropriated for such grants in that fiscal year exceed $5,000,000 (Section 5(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Students+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Seniors+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+4Increases Scientific Research Funding+4Improves College Affordability+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+3
- 4/21/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Julia BrownleyDemocrat · California