“Cool Schools” One Step from Becoming Law

SALEM – One OLCV’s top priorities is one step away from becoming law. House Bill 2960, known as “Cool Schools,” passed the Oregon Senate today with wide bipartisan support. This comes on the heels of the Oregon House unanimously approving the bill last week. 

“Cool Schools” blends environmental protection, job creation, and looking out for children, as it fast-tracks energy efficiency and health and safety upgrades for Oregon’s K-12 schools. 

“The wide bipartisan support for ‘Cool Schools’ continues to show how protecting Oregon’s environment and creating jobs go hand-in-hand,” said OLCV Executive Director Jon Isaacs. “The biggest winner here is clearly our children and their teachers, who will enjoy safer and healthier learning environments in buildings that use energy more efficiently.” 

The “Cool Schools” legislation is a significant step we can take to protect our environment and cut costs at Oregon’s K-12 schools at the same time, as making energy efficiency, environmental, and health upgrades can reduce operational costs, protect the well-being of students and teachers, and create the most effective learning environments possible. 

“This bill is a great example of how we can put differences aside and come together to do what’s right for our children, for our environment and for job creation,” said Senator Chris Edwards (D-Eugene/Junction City), a co-sponsor of the “Cool Schools” legislation. “I’m proud to join conservation organizations like OLCV, teachers, business leaders, and organized labor in supporting HB 2960.” 

 

OLCV and the Oregon Conservation Network have identified HB 2960 as a top priority because creating more sustainable schools that use energy and water more efficiently, improving indoor air quality and acoustics, and reducing harmful toxics will create jobs and help Oregon’s children and taxpayers get the most out of our public schools.

 

HB 2960 now goes to Governor Kitzhaber for his signature.