2006 House Bill 5554 / Public Act 146

Create “Green School” designation

Introduced in the House

Jan. 18, 2006

Introduced by Rep. Joe Hune (R-47)

To create a state designation of “green school” for schools that apply and demonstrate that they do the following things: The school recycles paper; has “adopted” an endangered species animal and posted its picture in a main traffic area; has an energy savings program that involves students dusting coils on cafeteria refrigerators, placing film on windows, checking bus tire pressure, etc.; hosts an ecological or Sierra Club spokesperson; has a birdhouse habitat project and a natural Michigan garden project; has solar power presentations; has classes do energy audits of their classrooms; has printer cartridge, cell pone and battery recycling programs; observes “Earth Day,” including art class “ecology concern” poster contest and displays; has science projects in which students do home energy improvements; has an “ecology club”; has classes visit “save rainforest habitat” Web sites; sets a goal of 5 percent less energy use; and more. The bill does not specify any consequences for a school that does or does not apply for and receive the designation. Counties or Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) would be required to accept and assess applications for the designation.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment

March 16, 2006

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 23, 2006

Passed in the House 100 to 6 (details)

Received

To create a state designation of “green school” for schools that apply and demonstrate that they do the following actions: The school recycles paper; has “adopted” an endangered species animal and posted its picture in a main traffic area; has an energy savings program that involves students dusting coils on cafeteria refrigerators, placing film on windows, checking bus tire pressure, etc.; hosts an ecological or Sierra Club spokesperson; has a birdhouse habitat project and a natural Michigan garden project; has solar power presentations; has classes do energy audits of their classrooms; has printer cartridge, cell pone and battery recycling programs; observes “Earth Day,” including art class “ecology concern” poster contest and displays; has science projects in which students do home energy improvements; has an “ecology club”; has classes visit “save rainforest habitat” Web sites; sets a goal of 5 percent less energy use; and more. The bill does not specify any consequences for a school that does or does not apply for and receive the designation. Counties or Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) would be required to accept and assess applications for the designation.

Passed in the House 103 to 4 (details)

Received in the Senate

March 28, 2006

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

May 4, 2006

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

May 10, 2006

Passed in the Senate 36 to 0 (details)

To create a state designation of “green school” for schools that apply and demonstrate that they do the following actions: The school recycles paper; has “adopted” an endangered species animal and posted its picture in a main traffic area; has an energy savings program that involves students dusting coils on cafeteria refrigerators, placing film on windows, checking bus tire pressure, etc.; hosts an ecological or Sierra Club spokesperson; has a birdhouse habitat project and a natural Michigan garden project; has solar power presentations; has classes do energy audits of their classrooms; has printer cartridge, cell pone and battery recycling programs; observes “Earth Day,” including art class “ecology concern” poster contest and displays; has science projects in which students do home energy improvements; has an “ecology club”; has classes visit “save rainforest habitat” Web sites; sets a goal of 5 percent less energy use; and more. The bill does not specify any consequences for a school that does or does not apply for and receive the designation. Counties or Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) would be required to accept and assess applications for the designation.

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

May 21, 2006