Greening schools for the better
House Committee on Education and Labor takes a look at how to improve American schools in energy efficient ways
Jeffrey Sawyer
Issue date: 6/6/08 Section: Headlines
The 21st century Green High-Performing Public Schools Energy Act, or H.R. 3021, was passed by the House Education and Labor Committee on April 30 by a margin of 28-19.
According to a press release provided by the House Education and Labor Committee, the bill would enhance "public schools around the country with billions of dollars in much-needed renovation and modernization funding."
The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY) and would provide $6.4 billion in grants to states and local school districts each year for the next five years for school construction and encouraging energy efficiency. The bill would require that granted funds be used for school renovation projects that meet green building standards.
Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, George Miller believes the bill is vital because, "since 2001 the federal government has provided almost no direct aid to help states and schools pay for school construction and repair. Modernizing school buildings would also create jobs in the construction industry. The industry hit hardest by the recent economic downturn---having lost 457,000 jobs since September 2006."
According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the bill faces an uphill battle in the House where there is Republican concern "regarding the appropriate role of the federal government in education."
"The federal government has always maintained a limited role in education, focusing on key academic priorities such as closing achievement gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers and ensuring services for children with disabilities," said Rep. Howard P. McKeon (R-CA) in an interview with the NASSP. "The construction and maintenance of schools are among the most fundamental rights and responsibilities belonging to communities, and the idea the we would do more to federalize this role is nothing short of a stunning federal power grab."
Supporters cite a 2000 study by the Department of Education for their reasoning. In the study it was found that the average school building is over 40 years old and that it would take $127 billion to bring schools into overall good condition. The study concluded that 75 percent of schools were in various stages of disrepair. Supporters include the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.
"I joined in offering this legislation because we cannot provide our children with the world-class education they need and deserve if we do not provide them--and their teachers, principals and other staff--with safe, healthy, modern, energy-efficient schools," said Rep. Dal E. Kildee (D-MI). "In its most recent infrastructure report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave our schools a 'D.' That is unacceptable. Not only will this bill take a great step toward changing that, but it will address two other critical needs by providing jobs and encouraging green building."
Oregon legislators Earl Blumenauer, Peter Defazio, Darlene Hooley and David Wu are all cosponsors of the bill.
Floor debate could begin as early as Tuesday, June 3 and votes are currently scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 4, through the remainder of the week.•
According to a press release provided by the House Education and Labor Committee, the bill would enhance "public schools around the country with billions of dollars in much-needed renovation and modernization funding."
The bill was introduced by Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY) and would provide $6.4 billion in grants to states and local school districts each year for the next five years for school construction and encouraging energy efficiency. The bill would require that granted funds be used for school renovation projects that meet green building standards.
Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, George Miller believes the bill is vital because, "since 2001 the federal government has provided almost no direct aid to help states and schools pay for school construction and repair. Modernizing school buildings would also create jobs in the construction industry. The industry hit hardest by the recent economic downturn---having lost 457,000 jobs since September 2006."
According to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the bill faces an uphill battle in the House where there is Republican concern "regarding the appropriate role of the federal government in education."
"The federal government has always maintained a limited role in education, focusing on key academic priorities such as closing achievement gaps between disadvantaged students and their peers and ensuring services for children with disabilities," said Rep. Howard P. McKeon (R-CA) in an interview with the NASSP. "The construction and maintenance of schools are among the most fundamental rights and responsibilities belonging to communities, and the idea the we would do more to federalize this role is nothing short of a stunning federal power grab."
Supporters cite a 2000 study by the Department of Education for their reasoning. In the study it was found that the average school building is over 40 years old and that it would take $127 billion to bring schools into overall good condition. The study concluded that 75 percent of schools were in various stages of disrepair. Supporters include the AFL-CIO, American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association.
"I joined in offering this legislation because we cannot provide our children with the world-class education they need and deserve if we do not provide them--and their teachers, principals and other staff--with safe, healthy, modern, energy-efficient schools," said Rep. Dal E. Kildee (D-MI). "In its most recent infrastructure report card, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave our schools a 'D.' That is unacceptable. Not only will this bill take a great step toward changing that, but it will address two other critical needs by providing jobs and encouraging green building."
Oregon legislators Earl Blumenauer, Peter Defazio, Darlene Hooley and David Wu are all cosponsors of the bill.
Floor debate could begin as early as Tuesday, June 3 and votes are currently scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 4, through the remainder of the week.•
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