Lawmakers Want New Schools To Be Energy Efficient
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A state Senate committee will debate a measure that would require new schools in Idaho to be more energy efficient.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted Friday to consider a bill that would impose new rules on the construction of schools built starting in 2009.
Democratic Senator Elliot Werk of Boise says the state has a compelling interest in improving building design because the state general fund picks up the tab for school energy bills.
The state would pay for the new requirements, which would add less than one percent to the cost of school building projects. That’s estimated to cost $90,000 per year, paid out of a state fund to help school districts with bond payments.
