Green school construction bill passes U.S. House

21st Century High Performing Public School Facilities Act would provide billions for sustainably designed education facilities

May 15, 2009

2 min read

From The Associated Press: The U.S. House has passed the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act . The bill would provide $6.4 billion for school construction in the first year with similar outlays approved over the next five years. It passed 275-155, and now goes to the Senate, which did not act after the House passed similar legislation last year. The bill would provide states with money to make grants and low-interest loans so school districts could build, modernize and repair facilities using sustainable design and construction strategies.

ALSO: A statement from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after the House passed the bill.

Earlier...News release: (May 6, 2009)--The U.S. House Education and Labor Committee once again has passed the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act. The legislation would authorize $6.4 billion for school renovation and modernization projects for fiscal year 2010. The full House passed the legislation last year, but the Senate never acted on the bill. The funding would enable school systems to build modern, more healthful and environmentally friendly classrooms. The legislation also would require a percentage of funds be used for school improvement projects that meet widely recognized green building standards.