Sen. Udall Proposes the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), America’s 17,450 K-12 school districts spend in excess of $6 billion on their energy bills a year, totaling more than they currently spend on computers and textbooks combined. And although there exist a variety of federal programs that help schools reduce their energy use, there has yet to be one that assists schools in seeking out those programs.

But all that could soon change. Last week, Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.) introduced the S. 3364, the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of 2010.Endorsed by the Alliance, this bill would provide technical assistance for schools to explore existing federal programs and financing options that would help make schools more energy-efficient.

Specifically, Senator Udall’s bill would do the following:

• Establish DOE as the lead agency in coordinating a cross-departmental effort to help initiate, develop and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy retrofitting projects for schools;
• Require a review of existing federal programs and financing mechanisms; streamline communication and outreach to the states, local education gencies and schools regarding these existing programs; and develop a mechanism for governors, state energy programs, nonprofit organizations, and local educational, financial, and energy officials to form a peer-to-peer network to support the initiation of the projects; and
• Ensure the safety and health of U.S. schools and increase the effectiveness of these programs by directing DOE to provide technical assistance to help schools navigate the financing, development and proper maintenance of these projects.

DOE estimates that schools could save up to 25 percent on their electric bills by investing in energy efficiency improvements.