Earth Day 2021: Protecting the Environment for All Pennsylvanians
April 22, 2021 12:00 AM
By:
PDE Press and Communications Office
This year’s theme is Protecting the Environment for All Pennsylvanians. Did you know it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment? This amendment guarantees citizens the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic, and historic value of the environment.
It’s no coincidence that the 2021 United States Department of Education (USDE) Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees were announced this afternoon. ICYMI: Pennsylvania has added three new USDE Green Ribbon School Awardees to its ranks!
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Elementary School (Pine Richland School District), Commonwealth Charter
Academy (Harrisburg Campus), and Lehigh University are listed among the
40 educational institutions across the nation receiving awards for the 2021 cycle. Additionally, Central Cambria School District received a state finalist designation through the PA Pathways to Green Schools program that guides aspiring schools to USDE Green Ribbon Award status.
USDE Green Ribbon Schools honorees were named from a pool of candidates submitted by 20 states. Awardees include 27 schools, three early learning centers, five districts, and five postsecondary institutions, all of whom
are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental
impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure
effective sustainability education.