Bill · S. 4377· Senate(119-S-4377)
Climate Change Education Act
- Introduced
- 4/22/2026
- Last activity
- 4/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Edward Markey
- Cosponsors
- - 7 - 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 provisions for awarding grants and cooperative agreements to state educational agencies, higher education institutions, professional associations, and youth corps organizations. The goal is to provide actionable information regarding new technologies, jobs, and climate resilience. The bill also emphasizes the importance of reaching environmental justice communities.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill prioritizes funding for environmental justice communities, which include low-income communities.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill directs significant funding toward environmental justice communities which include communities of color.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill directs significant funding toward environmental justice communities which include 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 understanding of climate change consequences and solutions for people of all ages (Section 4).
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Educational and Career Opportunities: The bill promotes learning about new technologies, jobs, and career training related to climate adaptation and mitigation (Section 4).
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Support for Educators: State educational agencies can receive funding for teacher training and professional development (Section 5(a)(1)(B)(i)).
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Work-Based Learning: The act encourages the development of career pathways and partnerships with labor and trade organizations for high-demand climate jobs (Section 5(a)(1)(B)(v)).
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Community Research and Services: Institutions of higher education can engage in research and deliver direct services to local communities regarding climate issues (Section 5(a)(2)).
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Support for Environmental Justice Communities: The bill directs 40 percent of specific grant allocations toward environmental justice communities (Section 5(d)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Funding Limitations for Local Agencies: A local educational agency cannot receive a grant or cooperative agreement unless the total 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 African Americans+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Children+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For People With Disabilities+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+4Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+3
- 4/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts