An Environmental Literacy Plan (ELP) for Connecticut is an important stepping-stone for our state’s future. It is imperative that we act now to prepare today’s students - tomorrow’s citizens and policy makers - with the proper knowledge and skills to make critical decisions regarding our global and local resources and environmental health. The ultimate goal is for all citizens in Connecticut to use environmental literacy for individual and social purposes to create and maintain sustainable communities.

The development of the CT ELP began in 2009 in response to the proposed federal No Child Left Inside (NCLI) legislation. The Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (COEEA) coordinated the ELP Steering Committee, which included representatives from various environmental and educational organizations throughout the state, such as CT Department of Environmental Protection, CT State Department of Education, CT Science Teachers’ Association, CT Forest and Park Association, Southeastern New England Marine Educators, higher education institutions, etc.