AUGUSTA - Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, introduced LD 612, An Act to Create a Green Schools Coordinator in the Department of Education, before the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on Thursday. The bill would create a new position within the Department of Education to assist department staff in establishing school facility priorities, work with school administrative units to improve building weatherization and make modifications compatible with renewable energy resources.
"Our school districts are dealing with increasing energy costs, which put a strain on their budgets," said Malon. "Many school leaders recognize that investments in weatherization, renewable energy generation and green standards in building construction will save them money in the long-term while also reducing their carbon emissions. The state's creation of this position would streamline schools' efforts to be more sustainable, help them be proactive in addressing their energy costs and help Maine meet its goals for addressing climate change."
LD 612 is supported by numerous organizations, including the United States Green Building Council, Maine Labor Climate Council, Maine Environmental Education Association and Maine Education Association.
"This is a historic moment to reinvest in the buildings where our students learn and so many of our community members work, and save districts real money," said Francis Eanes on behalf of the Maine Labor Climate Council in their testimony supporting the bill.
The Education and Cultural Affairs Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks. Malon is serving his first term in the Maine House, representing a portion of Biddeford. He serves as a member of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and the Labor and Housing Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Malon], c. 305-965-2744