The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Education Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implements the federal laws designed to promote public health by protecting the Nation's air, water and soil from harmful pollution. The EPA coordinates much of its activity through state government entities. As a result, the DEP has a close working relationship with the EPA.

The National Environmental Education Act of 1990 requires EPA to provide national leadership to increase environmental literacy. The EPA established the Office of Environmental Education, within the EPA Office of Communications, Education and Media Relations, to implement this program.

The mission of that office is "To advance and support education efforts that develop an environmentally conscious and responsible public." Its goal is "To ensure that environmental education is a recognized and appropriately utilized tool for protecting human health and the environment."

The EPA Environmental Education Office offers educators a variety of services at its web site, including recognition programs, grant information, training, and information for teachers, students and kids. The EPA Region 2 Environmental Education Office (which includes New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands) offers additional services, such as classroom materials and classroom visits.

EPA National Environmental Education Office
www.epa.gov/enviroed/

EPA Region 2 Environmental Education Office
www.epa.gov/region02/ee/index.html