Congressional Bill to Provide Schools with Renewable Energy Funds

[jpak]

http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/home

Utah Congressman Jim Matheson is introducing the Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006, which calls for up to $60 million in zero-interest bonds to be distributed to public school districts for the purchase of renewable energy products. The measure is limited, however, to schools in the Congressman's home state and five nearby states.

Matheson said the bill is largely based on a successful measure incorporated in the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 that enabled school districts to apply for zero-interest bonds to pay for capital improvements. The Renewable Schools Energy Act, which is said to be identical to legislation introduced in the Senate by Nevada Senator Harry Reid, would provide zero-interest bonds to public school districts seeking to invest in renewables such as solar panels, geothermal heat pumps or small wind turbines.

Repayment would be 20 years from the issuance of the bond. Total bonding authority would be $50 million in 2007 and increase to $150 million in 2009.

"Schools are vulnerable to the sky-rocketing costs of energy," said Matheson. "When their energy budgets take a hit, kids' education suffers. This legislation will help public school districts save money, increase educational opportunities and take advantage of advances in renewable energy technology."

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edit: every school in the US should be a zero energy facility...

[ramapodem]

1. Well sounds like a good start