Udall Introduces Bipartisan Plan to Help Schools Boost Energy Efficiency, Streamline Federal Government Programs

Press Release

Mark Udall, who serves on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation today aimed at encouraging schools to become more energy efficient and to streamline federal programs throughout the executive branch to make them more cost-effective. The Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act, which Udall also plans to introduce as an amendment to bipartisan energy-efficiency legislation coming to the Senate floor in the next couple of months, also creates an easier system for schools to navigate the existing federal programs and financing options available to them.

The Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act, co-sponsored by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), does not increase federal spending and, in fact, is expected to reduce costs thanks to the efficiencies it will create in existing Department of Energy programs.

"Colorado is a leader in taking a balanced approach to energy development and a model for how we can achieve true energy self-reliance. But we need to do more to ensure that we are efficiently using the energy we already produce," Udall said. "The bipartisan Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act is a common-sense way to ensure that schools across Colorado can more easily take advantage of energy-efficiency programs. This legislation is a strategic and cost-saving investment that will move us one step closer to true energy security."

"The Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act will provide schools across this country with the assistance they need to fully realize the savings potential of investments in energy efficiency," said Kateri Callahan, president of the Alliance to Save Energy. "We firmly believe that one of most effective ways we can relieve the fiscal pressure felt by school boards across this country is to end energy waste in school facilities, which in turn will free up funding for more useful purposes while simultaneously improving the environment."

Udall's bipartisan proposal would make it easier for schools across the state to save thousands of taxpayer dollars each year. For example:

-The Poudre School District has saved more than $2 million since 1993 thanks to energy-efficiency upgrades to its buildings and the construction of LEED-certified schools supported by the EPA and its Energy Star program;

-The Colorado Springs School District 11's energy management program -- a collaboration between the EPA and the district -- has resulted in an estimated annual energy savings of more than $928,000; and,

-The Dolores 4A School District saves an estimated $34,252 every year thanks to a strategic investment of federal funds into retrofitting lighting elements, ventilation systems and timers for electrical systems.

Udall, a leader in promoting a balanced energy strategy, has introduced the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act during previous sessions of Congress. He also has promoted how Colorado's balanced approach to energy is a model for the nation. As part of his work to highlight Colorado's energy successes, he has visited the National Wind Technology Center in Louisville and the Elk Creek Mine and methane-capture project in Somerset.

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