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U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY 21) voted today in favor of the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act (H.R. 2187), which will invest in modernizing, upgrading and repairing school facilities across the country. This legislation will improve education, create jobs and encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable fuels in our schools.

“These new funds will allow schools to make badly needed repairs to their buildings at a time when state governments are cutting back their education aid,” said Rep. Tonko. “Healthy and high performance schools reduce indoor environment hazards and are energy efficient. Every child deserves a safe, clean and healthy environment in which to learn and this bill is the first step in achieving that goal.”

The 21st Century Green High Performing Public Schools Facilities Act provides $6.4 billion in federal funds to upgrade school buildings to make them more efficient and more reliant on renewable sources of energy. New York State would receive an estimated $549 million in grants. The bill also creates long-term savings for schools by reducing energy expenses. Green schools also reduce pollution – using 30% less water and energy compared to conventional schools, and emitting 40% less carbon dioxide.

Rep. Tonko added, “I was proud to work with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to create New York State’s High Performance School guidelines, and I am pleased that this bill provides states with funds to develop similar measures.” Rep. Tonko fought for that provision to be included in the bill, along with another which allows schools to use funds to conduct energy audits.

The bill is now headed to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

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