House Approves $20 Billion to Help Schools Go Green

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The House recently committed more than $20 billion over the next five years to help states build and renovate schools to make them more energy-efficient and good for the environment.

Of course the fine environmental stewards occupying the White House immediately threatened a veto, saying it was wrong for the federal government to launch any costly new school building program, despite the fact that it will help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by making schools more energy efficient.

And to that end Democrats said the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act would save school districts billions in energy costs while reducing asthma and other environmentally linked health problems.

The legislation passed 250-164 and now must be considered by the Senate.

Communities, Environment, Students Benefit from Green Schools

It should be interesting to see if this bill will make it through. Especially as supporters cite studies that green schools use 35% less energy than a conventional school, reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40%, uses 30% less water and has better control over elements of the learning environment that influence student achievement such as temperature and lighting.

Perhaps a call to your Senator is in order?

More on Building Green Schools

School Joins Frontlines of Energy Efficiency with Absorption Chiller

Economic Crunch Hits Schools Efforts to Go Green

Via: The Houston Chronicle