Edward Markey (D-MA)
Climate Change Education Act
A Democratic bill with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes funding for environmental justice communities, which include low-income communities.
- Scored +5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill directs significant funding toward environmental justice communities which include communities of color.
- Scored +5
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill directs significant funding toward environmental justice communities which include communities of color. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill directs significant funding toward environmental justice communities which include communities of color. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes funding for environmental justice communities, which include low-income communities. Would children be better off under this? — The bill funds climate literacy and educational programs for grades 4 through 12. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The bill emphasizes career training and work-based learning for new climate-related jobs. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill emphasizes inclusive learning opportunities for all segments of the population.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into public schools? — The bill authorizes $50,000,000 annually to fund climate change education and teacher training. Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds institutions of higher education to engage in applied climate research.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill directs 40 percent of specific grant allocations toward environmental justice communities, which include communities of color.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill promotes career training and pathways for high-demand climate-related jobs.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill promotes education and career pathways related to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.
- 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