A RESOLUTION honoring the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Keturah Herron and 1 co-sponsor

The resolution recognizes KAEE’s 50 years of contributions to environmental education and urges continued collaboration to expand literacy and opportunities for all Kentuckians.

adopted by voice vote

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Purpose and Intent

Recognizes and honors the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) for reaching its 50th anniversary.

Highlights KAEE’s history, leadership, governance, and contributions to environmental education in Kentucky.

Encourages continued collaboration among KAEE, state agencies, universities, and community partners to expand high-quality environmental education for all ages and communities.

Encourages public participation in KAEE’s 2026 annual conference in Lexington.

Key Provisions

Section 1: Formal recognition of KAEE on its 50th anniversary.

Section 2: Acknowledgment of KAEE’s exemplary governance, long-term planning, and service.

Section 3: Encouragement of ongoing collaboration among KAEE and various partners to broaden environmental education opportunities.

Section 4: Commendation of KAEE’s past and present presidents and board members for five decades of service.

Section 5: Encouragement for public participation in KAEE’s 2026 annual conference (November 12–14, Lexington).

Section 6: directs the Clerk of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to designated KAEE and state officials for presentation (including KAEE Chair, Executive Director, and key state education, energy, and postsecondary education leaders).

Who/What Is Affected

KAEE (Kentucky Association for Environmental Education) and its leadership.

State officials and agencies listed for receipt (Secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet, Secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet, President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education).

Public participants and stakeholders in KAEE’s 2026 conference.

Timeline and Procedural Details

Admission Date: Introduced in Senate on March 19, 2026; referred to Senate Committee on Committees.

Adoption: Adopted by voice vote on March 27, 2026.

Conference Timing: 2026 KAEE annual conference scheduled for November 12–14 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Transmission: The resolution requires six copies to be transmitted to specified individuals for presentation.

Impact and Implications

Non-binding symbolic recognition that publicly acknowledges KAEE’s contributions to environmental education, workforce development, and collaboration with state agencies and higher education.

May bolster KAEE’s visibility and credibility, potentially aiding fundraising, partnerships, and outreach.

Encourages ongoing cross-sector collaboration to expand environmental literacy and experiential learning across Kentucky.

Notable Details

KAEE originated in 1976 as an all-volunteer organization and has since grown through professional staffing and partnerships.

Notable historical context cited: KAEE’s influence on policy and education, including its 1989 report that informed state environmental education initiatives in 1990 and beyond.

The resolution specifically notes KAEE’s conferences, programs (e.g., Kentucky Green Schools), and national partnerships as part of its impact.

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