Langevin and Cicilline Congratulate Green Ribbon Schools

Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) today offered their congratulations to two Rhode Island schools that have prioritized environmental protection and education. The Greene School in West Greenwich and Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport were both recognized as Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Human activities have intensified the impacts of global climate change, and if we want to reverse the dangerous course our planet is on, education is key,” said Langevin, who serves as Energy Task Force Chair on the Sustainable Energy and Environmental Coalition. “Environmental education helps to establish green habits early in life, and the students at The Greene School and Pell Elementary are fortunate to be exposed to a curriculum and a faculty that value environmental protection and conservation. These schools have set the bar high for their counterparts in districts across the state, and I am proud of their efforts to make Rhode Island a cleaner, healthier place to live.”

“The Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program recognizes schools across the country that emphasize the importance of environmental education and work to reduce the negative impacts of climate change,” said Cicilline. “I’m proud that two Rhode Island schools, including the Claiborne Pell Elementary School in Newport, are championing environmental literacy and sustainability to help educate the next generation of environmental stewards and prepare them for the 21st century workforce.”

Forty-eight schools were honored nationwide for their exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact, promote better health and offer strong environmental education. The announcement came from Acting Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Mike Boots and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

“Today’s honorees are modeling a comprehensive approach to being green by encompassing facility, wellness and learning into their daily operations,” said Secretary Duncan. “They are demonstrating ways schools can simultaneously cut costs; improve health, and engage students with hands-on learning that prepares them with the thinking skills necessary to be successful in college and careers.”