The U.S. Department of Education quietly wound down its Green Ribbon Schools program, which for more than a decade recognized K–12 campuses for sustainability, health, and environmental education. The program — launched in 2011 and run largely with state participation — was ended the same year the department also shuttered the Blue Ribbon Schools award, officials confirmed. State education chiefs and advocates said the federal recognition brought visibility and validation to local sustainability work; the department said it is returning responsibilities to states. Environmental-education advocates warned the move removes a national spotlight and common standard for climate- and health-centered school practices; some states are exploring their own replacement awards.