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]

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