Rep. Jim Matheson wants the federal government to give interest-free loans to schools in the Mountain West to help buy renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, wind turbines and geothermal heat pumps.
Matheson, D-Utah, said Wednesday that he is introducing in the House a bill identical to one introduced in the Senate by Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
The measure would target help for schools in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado and Montana, because Matheson said they have significant potential to develop renewable energy resources nearby, and they may need it to keep up with rapid growth.
"Schools are vulnerable to the skyrocketing costs of energy. When their energy budgets take a hit, kids' education suffers," Matheson said.
"This legislation will help public school districts save money, increase educational opportunities and take advantage of advances in renewable energy technology."
The bill would authorize a grant program beginning at $50 million in 2007 and growing to $150 million by 2009. It would allow zero-interest loans to school districts, repayable over 20 years.
Matheson said a model of success for others to follow is the Lemon Grove School District in San Diego, where power at two dozen schools is being generated by solar panels.