OLYMPIA – Speaking from the floor of the Washington State House of Representatives, Rep. Jesse Johnson, D-Federal Way, acknowledged the voices of thousands of Washington students who want the government to do more in the fight against the climate crisis. In his floor speech, Johnson told his fellow lawmakers that it was time to listen to the children and better educate them on the opportunities to be good environmental stewards and sustainable inhabitants of the planet.
“Our children feel lost and unsure about our planet. As an educator, I know that students make the best decisions when they are informed on a topic. This will help students across Washington state in localized, project-based learning,” said Johnson. “This is about educating a workforce and the next generation of brilliant leaders and problem-solvers and ensuring climate justice is something our children can pursue as they are making decisions about their career.”
Johnson’s first bill to pass the House, HB 2811, will develop a curriculum to teach high school students about the global and local environment. The OSPI and the Legislature will develop a curriculum that educators can use to teach integrated, equitable, locally relevant, real-world environmental science. Emphasis will also be placed on teaching students more about renewable natural resource career opportunities.
HB 2811 passed the House 91-6 and will be sent to the Senate for its consideration.