The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has awarded more than $640,000 in environmental education grants to 147 schools, non-profits and conservation districts. In accordance with the Environmental Education Act of 1993, 5% of all penalties and fines collected by the DEP each year are set aside for the grant program.
"These grants help build the foundation for educating communities about their environmental resources and how to protect and sustainably use them," said DEP Secretary Michael Krancer.
Thirteen projects in Allegheny County will receive almost $74,000, including the Riverview, North Hills, and Avonworth School Districts; the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority; the Kingsley Association; the Pittsburgh Regional Center for Science Teachers; the Allegheny County Conservation District; the Mt. Washington Community Development Corporation; 3 Rivers Wet Weather; the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP); the South Fayette Conservation Group; the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania; and evolveEA.
DEP spokesperson Lisa Kasianowitz said GASP will use more than $6,000 for the project "Athletes United for Healthy Air," which will educate athletes to protect themselves from air pollution. The Avonworth School District in Ohio Township will use $3,000 for classroom and field study of Pennsylvania flora and fauna.
More information about grant recipients and applying for grants is on the DEP website.
