Darlene Hooley: “Mr. Chairman, the Hooley-McCaul-Matheson amendment is a very simple and straightforward amendment that would authorize a…”

“Mr. Chairman, the Hooley-McCaul-Matheson amendment is a very simple and straightforward amendment that would authorize a study of the tremendous impact green schools have on the environment, school operational costs, test scores and student health. Usually we simply equate green building with energy efficiency, but the benefits are much broader than just that. The global impact of these efforts on the environment alone is enough of a reason to take action. Just as the energy bill before us today begins to address this challenge, our amendment focuses on the positive impacts our actions can have on improving our environment and bettering people's lives. The study I am proposing today with my good friends, Mr. McCaul and Mr. Matheson, is necessary because, while both the Federal Government and the private sector have conducted some green building research, knowledge gaps exist in the important area of green school research. Upon the conclusion of the study I am proposing, we will finally be able to quantify the important benefits green schools provide by way of economic savings, environmental stewardship, and the health and academic performance of students.”