Minnesota EE  How environmental education  works in Minnesota

Legislation

In Minnesota, environmental education (EE) is formally written into state law. The state's Waste Management Act includes provisions for a state plan and goals for EE, creates an ongoing advisory group to assist with implementation, and addresses the need for providing EE resources statewide.

Environmental education goals and plan

The framework for an environmental education program in Minnesota is laid out in state law, with specific reference to what informed citizens need to understand to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.073)

In statute, this state plan is formally called Greenprint for Minnesota: A State Plan for Environmental Education.

• The most recent Greenprint was published in 2008.
• Minnesota's first state plan for EE was published in 1972.

Environmental Education Advisory Board

The Environmental Education Advisory Board (EEAB) is the state board that guides the direction of environmental education in Minnesota. It was created in 1990 to promote environmental literacy for all Minnesota citizens. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.072)

The EEAB advises the Governor on the implementation of the state plan for EE (GreenPrint) through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, state agencies, organizations, and citizens.

Board membership consists of 20 members—eleven citizen representatives and nine government agencies representatives—appointed to two-year terms.

Environmental education resource centers

To build a strong network for environmental education in Minnesota, educators statewide need access to environmental education resources. Under state law, the commissioner of the Pollution Control Agency has the authority to develop resource centers around the state. (Minn. Stat. § 115A.074)

Since 1996, the state has relied on the SEEK web site to provide resources and assistance throughout Minnesota and beyond. In addition to an extensive directory of resources, the site offers an events calendar, jobs database, a directory of EE research, and links to outside resources: www.seek.state.mn.us.