  |
| |
|
Coalition promotes clean energy, healthy schools Feb. 2, 2006 The annual cost of energy to New York public schools has surpassed the $1 billion mark and is escalating. So reports the Apollo Alliance, a group of business, labor and environmental groups. "Our schools, colleges and universities are, as institutions, great consumers of energy," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "We have to refocus on renewable energy sources and shift the paradigm to reduce our reliance on foreign oil." New York State United Teachers and the state AFL-CIO are teaming up with the alliance to organize a statewide coalition to collaborate on renewable energy sources like wind power and solar energy. The coalition will research the way government, business and schools deal with energy efficiency. Another focus will be developing capital projects that create more jobs, are environmentally friendly and promote healthy work environments. Lubin said NYSUT hopes to come together with small businesses, contractors and environmental groups to effect public policy changes through the Legislature to meet the coalition's goals. On the federal level, U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-NY, introduced legislation last year to fix deteriorating schools. The Investing for Tomorrow's Schools Act would establish a state infrastructure bank to provide low-interest loans and credit support to repair and modernize schools. For details about the Apollo Alliance, visit www.apolloalliance.org. |
|
| | |