Explanation: North Carolina has excellent environmental education programs and facilities which students, parents, administrators, educators and adult groups want to use for interdisciplinary classwork involving science, social studies, language arts, computer skills, etc. A lack of financial support to access existing environmental education resources is a major barrier for both customers and program providers. Funding for environmental education materials and supplies, professional staff development, class activities, technology and use of existing facilities and resources is a clearly identified statewide need.

Action:

Establish a North Carolina Environmental Education Trust Fund from civil penalties imposed for violation of North Carolina environmental laws.

Award grants from the Trust Fund to schools, communities and organizations to support and promote environmental education in North Carolina schools K-16.

Establish policies and procedures within the Attorney General's Office, DEHNR and federal regulatory agencies whereby settlements in environmental cases will support environmental education in North Carolina consistent with the definition, principles and concepts set forth in this North Carolina Environmental Education Plan.

Encourage North Carolina business, industry, civic organizations, and foundations to support environmental education programs.

Provide environmental education grant information through the North Carolina Environmental Education Clearinghouse, and provide technical assistance in grantsmanship.

Identify policies and procedures which are barriers to funding environmental education programs and recommend actions to overcome these barriers.