New law to support environmental education in Maine takes effect

AUGUSTA — On September 24, a new law introduced by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, went into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year. LD 1543, “An Act to Establish the Maine Green Schools Network,” establishes the Maine Green Schools Network within the Department of Education (DOE) to support environmental education and initiatives in public schools.

“We need to be doing everything we can to not only create sustainable practices for our communities and schools, but to also best educate the next generation on the importance of good stewardship for our beautiful state, ” said Sen. Rafferty. “We only get one planet, and taking the right steps now will give us the opportunity to save it for future Mainers.”

The new law directs the DOE to administer the Green Schools Network, which will include various relevant stakeholders and government officials. The Network will be responsible for supporting professional development and school projects; increasing the number of educators in Maine who provide training for green schools; and for developing common resources, trainings and metrics to support educators. It also authorizes the DOE to develop a grant program to support the Network in fulfilling its duties and requires its members to report back to the Legislature with findings and recommendations. 

As non-emergency legislation, LD 1543 took effect on September 24, 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned. LD 1543 becomes law without the Governor’s signature.