Legislation reintroduced by state Sen.

Mary Jo White, R-21st, to strengthen a successful statewide environmental education program based at Slippery Rock University was approved last week by the Senate.The Senate approved similar legislation sponsored by White in the previous two legislative sessions, but the House of Representatives did not vote on the measures.The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is a statewide environmental education resource for state agencies, county conservation districts, educators and nonprofit organizations.The PCEE was established 10 years ago by executive order. White's legislation would amend the Environmental Education Act to establish the PCEE in statute, strengthening its status among state programs and ensuring more stable funding.White's bill would establish a PCEE governing board, ensuring it remains focused on environmental education issues, said White."Slippery Rock University has done a great job with the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education,"White said. "It is truly a statewide resource, making learning tools available to teachers, home-school parents and students via the Internet and newsletters."The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.———U.S. Rep.

Phil English, R-3rd, Wednesday announced his support for a House of Representatives' resolution calling on Iran to release the 15 British sailors and marines seized in the Persian Gulf on March 23.The sailors and marines, based on the HMS Cornwall, had finished a search of a civilian vessel in Iraqi waters at the time.On March 25, the government of Iran announced it is considering charging the sailors and marines for illegally entering Iranian-controlled waters."By seizing sailors and marines in waters that are not within their borders, the government of Iran has once again defied the international community. We cannot let such reckless behavior go unnoticed," said English, a member of the Congressional Iran Working Group.