Sen. Gounardes Celebrates Regents Approval of Statewide Climate Education Requirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 13, 2026

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes issued the following statement in response to the New York Board of Regents’ vote to require education on climate change across the state:

“This is about preparing our students for all the challenges and opportunities of the world they'll inherit. This statewide learning requirement will give young people the knowledge and skills they need to adapt to a rapidly changing climate, and better prepare them for the green jobs that power a growing share of our economy. Thank you to all the students, educators, advocates who worked so hard to get us to this point."

Background: 

The New York Board of Regents voted this week to implement a statewide learning requirement on climate education, ensuring that kindergarten through 12th grade students are given the opportunity to learn about the causes, impacts, and solutions to the climate crisis. 

The amendment, first presented in November 2025, is part of the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations on new graduation measures, part of NY Inspires: A Plan to Transform Education in New York State. The requirement will go into effect in the 2027-2028 school year beginning with grades 5-12, and grades K-4 in the 2028-29 school year. New York joins New Jersey in becoming the second state in the nation to require cross curricular K-12 climate education.

The amendment was inspired by Sen. Gounardes’ bill S.2430, which would’ve required public schools to provide instruction on climate change, including causes and impacts of climate change on individuals, environments and communities, as well as potential responses and solutions.

See additional statements of support from advocates and officials here.

Press Contact:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

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