Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA) welcomed Senate passage of their bipartisan amendment to the Keystone X.L. Pipeline bill to help make schools more energy efficient.
 
The amendment, which was approved by voice vote, would coordinate information about existing federal programs and financial assistance that is available for schools to develop and finance energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy retrofitting projects. Rather than create any new federal programs, this amendment would simply appoint the Department of Energy as the leader to streamline communication and promote the existing programs.
 
“I’m proud that Maine schools would now have improved access to the resources available to help increase energy efficiency and cut costs,” said Senator Collins. “With the savings from this increased efficiency, more of our school’s financial resources could be dedicated where they should be – in the classroom helping students learn.”
 
Senator Warner said, “I am pleased that the Senate has approved our legislation to help schools take advantage of federal incentives to improve energy efficiency and save taxpayers money. We are all paying the bills for the energy our schools use, so let’s make sure we do it in the most efficient way possible.” 
 
The many federal programs that already exist are currently scattered across several government agencies and are difficult for local schools and educational entities to take full advantage of.
 

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) also cosponsored the amendment.