New Direction For Energy Independence, National Security, And Consumer Protection Act

Floor Speech

NEW DIRECTION FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY, AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT -- (House of Representatives - August 04, 2007)

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Mr. McCAUL of Texas. I want to thank Congresswoman Hooley for introducing this amendment. I am proud to be a cosponsor to it.

This study will be able to quantify the important benefits green schools provide by way of economic savings, environmental impact, and the health and academic performance of students. The building industry represents the largest economic sector in the United States, and school construction is the largest component of that sector. If all new school construction and school renovations went green starting today, energy savings alone would total about $20 billion over the next 10 years. It costs less than $3 extra per square foot to build a green school, but the payback occurs within 1 year based upon energy savings alone. With childhood asthma becoming more widespread in recent decades, this research is timely and necessary. According to the CDC, childhood asthma accounts for about 14 million missed school days per year.

This amendment authorizes $1 million over 5 years to undertake this important area of research. It is endorsed by the U.S. Green Buildings Council, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Institute of Architects.

I want to thank the Congresswoman again for introducing this amendment.

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