Committee approves Senator Rafferty bill to support environmental education in Maine

AUGUSTA — On May 2, 2025, The Education and Cultural Affairs committee voted 8-5 in favor of a bill sponsored by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk. The bill, LD 1543, “An Act to Establish the Maine Green Schools Network,” aims to enhance environmental education and sustainability in Maine public schools.

“As an educator, I have seen firsthand the impact certain subjects can have in shaping the interest and goals of students,” said Sen. Rafferty. “This network would enhance and uplift the work already being done by our educators and instill within our students an understanding of Maine’s beautiful natural resources and ecosystems. We only have our one planet — we need to do what we can to take care of it and help students understand why that is such an important mission while setting them up for future success.”

LD 1543 establishes the Maine Green Schools Network within the Department of Education to support environmental education and initiatives in public schools. Under the bill, the DOE would administer the network, which will include various relevant stakeholders and government officials.

The network would be responsible for supporting professional development and school projects; increasing the number of educators in the State who provide training for green schools; and for developing common resources, trainings and metrics to support educators. It also authorizes the Department to develop a grant program to support the network in fulfilling its duties and requires them to report back to the Legislature with findings and recommendations. 

The bill now faces votes in the Senate and House.

Sen. Rafferty represents Senate District 24, which includes Berwick, Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, North Berwick and Wells in York County.

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