Mr. WU. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2187 and the underlying legislation. I thank Representatives Chandler and Loebsack for introducing this bill. I especially appreciate Chairman Miller working with me to add seismic retrofitting, more efficient storm water runoff systems and additional clean energy sources to the allowable uses of funds in this bill.
So many of our Nation's schools are in urgent need of upgrading. The funds in this bill will do more than help create safe schools. It will help our schools actually return money to our communities by saving energy and creating jobs.
I have firsthand knowledge of how creating safe and green schools can improve learning environments and student outcomes while saving money for taxpayers. In McMinnville, Oregon, the newly built Sue Buel Elementary School, which I had the pleasure of visiting in February, a building built in 1929, was replaced by a new school which was the first school in the State of Oregon to earn a gold LEED certification. The school was built with low-chemical-emitting materials, an energy-efficient heating and ventilating system, and 96 rooftop solar panels that return over 19,000 watts of power back to the local electricity grid.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about visiting Buel Elementary was seeing how engaged the students, many of whom are on free and reduced lunch, how engaged those students are in their school and in learning about their environment. The school itself creates a sense of pride in the students and keeps them excited about learning.
This bill will help ensure that our children have a safe and healthy learning environment, with the added benefit of creating jobs during these difficult economic times.
