WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.) today applauded three schools in Maryland that have been included in the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools list, a federal program that recognizes schools for reducing environmental impact on their communities, promoting healthy school environments for their own students and staff, and offering high-quality environmental education.

“Environmental education and awareness must be a priority in America’s schools and the Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program is helping to generate momentum around the country,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “I’m proud that three Maryland schools are among those leading the way. It’s critical that students learn about sustainability throughout their education so they are prepared for success in the changing economy of the 21st century.”

The Maryland schools named to the list include: Dunloggin Middle School in Ellicott City; Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring; and Folger McKinsey Elementary School in Severna Park.

Congressman Sarbanes is a strong advocate for environmental education and last summer reintroduced the No Child Left Inside Act, which would authorize funding for states to provide high-quality, environmental education by supporting outdoor learning activities at schools and non-formal environmental education centers, as well as teacher professional development and the creation of state environmental literacy plans.