FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Erin Bzymek, erinb@bluegreenalliance.org, 202-706-6916
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 23, 2012) Education Secretary Arne Duncan, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, and White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley today announced the Department of Education’s first-ever Green Ribbon Schools at an elementary school in Washington, D.C. Four of the schools designated as Green Ribbon Schools are in Pennsylvania. They are: Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School in Chambersburg; A.W. Beattie Career Center in Allison Park; Springside Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia; and Radnor Middle School in Wayne.
The BlueGreen Alliance, a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations, released the following statement from Executive Director David Foster:
“The BlueGreen Alliance congratulates the first-ever Green Ribbon Schools, a recognition that we hope will continue for many years to come. Modern, greener schools in America mean healthier classrooms for our children to learn in, as well as good jobs for American workers. The communities surrounding these schools should be proud of the students, teachers, administrators, and officials making decisions every day that are reducing their school’s environmental impact and providing effective environmental education that will prepare students to succeed in the 21st century economy.
“To prepare the workforce of the next generation, we have to make a commitment to ensure our students have both a good learning environment and a well-rounded education that includes learning about the environment. We must also make our schools modern and green, which will reduce energy and water use, ensure safe and healthy air for our students, teachers and staff, and create good jobs for American workers — those who are doing the work to make our schools better and those providing efficient goods in the supply chain.”
###
View the BlueGreen Alliance Policy on Green Schools and Environmental Education.
The BlueGreen Alliance is a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations dedicated to expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green economy. Launched in 2006, the strategic partnership now brings together major U.S. labor unions and America's most influential environmental organizations and unites more than 14 million members and supporters in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy. Visit www.bluegreenalliance.org.