By Hinojosa                                          H.C.R. No. 252

         75R14835 JLZ-D                           

                             HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 1-1           WHEREAS, Since the 1970s people have become increasingly

 1-2     aware of difficulties relating to environmental issues such as the

 1-3     depletion of natural resources, pollution of our air and water, the

 1-4     environmental impact of population growth, and the importance of

 1-5     acknowledging and preserving bio-diversity; and

 1-6           WHEREAS, Despite this greater awareness, questions remain

 1-7     regarding the environment's capacity to support human population

 1-8     and maintain a delicate ecological balance; until these vital

 1-9     questions are addressed and measures are taken to protect the

1-10     environment, it is likely that current problems will continue to

1-11     grow and new ones will surface; and

1-12           WHEREAS, The ability to address current and potential

1-13     environmental hazards that threaten our health and well-being

1-14     requires a broad understanding of the critical issues by an

1-15     educated and proactive citizenry and a level of awareness that can

1-16     best be achieved through sound environmental education programs;

1-17     and

1-18           WHEREAS, Effective environmental education must begin in the

1-19     state's public schools, but the public school curriculum currently

1-20     does not require nor make provision for environmental education

1-21     programs that will produce the educated citizenry that the state

1-22     and the nation need to preserve and protect the vitality of our

1-23     environment; now, therefore, be it

1-24           RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas

 2-1     hereby request the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house

 2-2     of representatives to create a joint interim committee to study the

 2-3     need for environmental education as a major component of the

 2-4     kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum in the state's public

 2-5     schools; and, be it further

 2-6           RESOLVED, That the committee also investigate issues such as

 2-7     the establishment of guidelines for pre-service and in-service

 2-8     training for educators in the field of environmental education;

 2-9     and, be it further

2-10           RESOLVED, That the committee's proceedings and operations be

2-11     governed by such general rules and policies for joint interim

2-12     committees as the 75th Legislature may adopt and that such rules

2-13     and policies supersede the provisions of this resolution to the

2-14     extent of any conflict; and, be it further

2-15           RESOLVED, That the committee submit a full report, including

2-16     findings and recommendations, to the 76th Texas Legislature when it

2-17     convenes in January 1999.