House Approves $20 Billion To Help Schools Go Green

Nicole Hughes June 18, 2008 | 2:29 pm EST

The House approved $20 billion in funds to help schools go green over the next five years, making them more energy efficient and lessening their environmental impact. The legislation goes to the Senate now after a 250-164 vote in the House. Unsurprisingly, the White House threatened to veto the bill, stating that it was ill-conceived for the federal government to launch any new school building programs.

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. [treehugger.com]

Democrats say the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act would save school districts billions of dollars in energy costs, while reducing the incidence of environment-related health issues like asthma. For the full story, click here. takepart and tell your Senators to support the Act!

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Filed under: Education • Environment • Ethics Related Links: Global Green Pre-Oscar Party Helps Rebuild Schools in New Orleans

Higher Fuel Prices Forcing Cutbacks in Education Spending

Edward Norton and Gavin Newsom Speak to Congress about Building Green

Full of Air…

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

Tagged as:21st century green high performing public school facili • campus goes green • campuses go green • green campuses • green schools • greening our schools • House • house approves 20 billion • House environment • reduce your carbon emissions • schools • schools environment • schools go green • schools going green • Senate • Senate environment • Treehugger • treehugger schools • treehugger.com

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