Van Hollen Statement on Passage of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act

Statement

Van Hollen Statement on Passage of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act

Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following statement on House passage of the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. When the legislation is enacted and is fully funded, it will invest an estimated $79.9 million in Maryland in FY 2010, with $7.7 million for Montgomery County and $12.9 million for Prince George's County Public Schools:

"Many of our schools are in disrepair. The average American school is 50 years old and, according to the GAO, 14 million students attend schools considered below standard or dangerous. In my own district, thousands of students go to class in portable classrooms - trailers located outside the school buildings - because the schools can no longer accommodate the growing student population. But in a time of state budget deficits, fewer dollars are going to school construction projects.

"The legislation passed today will help local school districts with the initial costs of construction and modernization and, by investing in energy efficient technology, will result in significant long-term savings. Green school construction also yields substantial environmental benefits. Green schools use on average 33 percent less energy and produce less carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and coarse particulate matter emissions.

"With its investment in infrastructure, this legislation will also create jobs and help our economy get back on track. It is a good, long-term investment that will improve education, reduce our energy consumption, and create jobs in local communities."

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