White House, EPA honor teachers, students for environmental efforts

The White House Council on Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored the winners of this year’s Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE) and the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) during a ceremony at the White House July 17.

“To solve our future environmental challenges, young people need to understand the science behind the natural world–-and create a personal connection to the outdoors,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “These teachers and students are demonstrating the important role of environmental education, and showing how individual actions can help address climate change, protect the air we breathe and safeguard the water we drink.”

Twenty-seven teachers and 44 students were recognized at the ceremony for their efforts in promoting environmental education and stewardship. With 15 PIAEE winners and 12 runners-up, this year’s honorees implemented a wide range of programs, including building a hydrogen fuel cell-powered Model T car and conserving local aquatic ecosystems.

Keeping with the environmental education theme, the EPA also announced a new agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to promote the student-nature connection with research and on-the-ground work.