Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2187, the "The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act" by a vote of 275 to 155.
H.R. 2187, sponsored by Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY), would authorize $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2010, and would "ensure that school districts quickly receive funds for projects that improve schools' teaching and learning climates, health and safety, and energy efficiency."
Allowable uses of the funds include: repairing, replacing, or installing roofs (including extensive, intensive or semi-intensive green roofs), electrical wiring, water supply and plumbing systems, sewage systems, storm water runoff systems, lighting systems, or components of such systems, building envelope, windows, ceilings, flooring, or doors.
To further encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources in schools, the legislation would require a percentage of funds be used for school improvement projects that meet widely recognized green building standards. It would require that 100 percent of the funds go toward green projects by 2015 - the final year of funding under the bill.
The legislation now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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