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06/06/2008 09:08 AM

House Votes to Green America's Schools

SustainableBusiness.com News

The U.S. House passed a bill authorizing $6.4 billion for grants and low-interest loans to be used for public school modernization, renovation, or repairs that meet energy efficient green building standards.

The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 3021) was praised by the advocacy group Environment America for helping make America's communities more energy independent, while providing America's students with modern schools and cleaner learning environments.

Buildings, including school buildings, represent the biggest opportunity to save energy and reduce our fossil fuel use. The McKinsey Global Institute found that the U.S. could reduce annual energy consumption by 11% through simple building efficiency measures such as more efficient lighting, heating, and appliances.

The bill heas to the Senate next, where it's fate is uncertain. However, President Bush has indicated he will veto the bill on unspecified grounds.

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