H.R. 2187, the21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Acthas been officially passed by the House. With the ability to produce hundreds of jobs, this “green” bill authorizes funding to states and school districts to help ensure that school facilities and learning environments are safe, healthy, energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and technologically up-to-date.

The House voted 275-155 to give $6.4 billion for school facilities projects in 2010.

The majority of the funds - rising to 100 percent by 2015 - would have to be used for projects that meet green standards for construction materials and energy sources. Those include the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System and Energy Star.

The bill will now go to the Senate, which did not act after the House passed similar legislation last year.