Green Ribbon Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9467
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T21:19:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, known as the Green Ribbon Act of 2026, aims to strengthen and expand the existing Green Ribbon Schools Program at the Department of Education. It seeks to increase the number of schools, applicants, and nominees focused on environmental literacy, reducing environmental impacts, and improving environmental health for students and staff. The bill also creates a similar award program for nonformal learning institutions and establishes a new office to support school infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including eligible entity (such as elementary or secondary schools, local educational agencies, or institutions of higher education), environmentally literate (an individual's ability to understand environmental systems and take actions for sustainability), and Green Ribbon pillars (three goals: 100% environmental literacy for graduates, significant emission reductions in buildings and operations, and a net positive impact on student and staff health).
- Green Ribbon Schools Program Updates: The Secretary of Education must review and update award criteria within 6 months, aligning health standards with the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasizing climate resilience, and setting goals for student literacy. The program includes grants to state educational agencies (ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000 for up to 3 years), a $10,000 honorarium for award winners, and requirements for states to spend at least 40% of funds on underresourced schools.
- State Grant Program: Competitive grants support states in promoting green school practices through partnerships, training, resources, and recognition events, with a focus on innovative scaling and engaging past winners as mentors.
- Reporting Requirements: Annual reports on program activities and outcomes, plus biannual reports on state policies supporting the pillars, must be published.
- Institute of Museum and Library Services Program: A new award program recognizes nonformal learning institutions (such as libraries, museums, zoos, and nature centers) for advancing environmental understanding, reducing carbon footprints, and improving visitor and staff health, with a $10,000 honorarium per winner.
- New Office Establishment: The Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability is created within the Department of Education's Office of the Secretary, staffed by 3 full-time employees, to provide technical assistance, develop resources on sustainable school facilities, and oversee the Green Ribbon program.
- Appropriations: Authorizes $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and such sums as necessary through fiscal year 2032, with 10% reserved for the museum and library program and up to 5% for administrative costs. An additional $2,000,000 is authorized for the new office in fiscal year 2027.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill expands the Department of Education's Green Ribbon Schools Program by adding mandatory criteria updates, grant funding mechanisms, honoraria, and detailed reporting. It introduces a parallel award program at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which did not previously exist in this form. The legislation also establishes a new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability, altering the Department of Education's structure to include dedicated staff and responsibilities for school facilities planning and sustainability.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains expanded program responsibilities, a new office, and grant administration duties. The Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must consult on program alignment. The Institute of Museum and Library Services receives new award program duties, and the Bureau of Indian Education gains dedicated funding for its schools.
- On Citizens: Schools and educational institutions may access more resources, training, and recognition for sustainability efforts, potentially benefiting students through improved health, literacy, and learning environments. Underresourced and rural schools receive prioritized support.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts are outlined in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State educational agencies and local educational agencies (responsible for implementing grants and nominations).
- Elementary and secondary schools, including those funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.
- Nonformal learning institutions such as museums, libraries, zoos, and nature centers.
- The Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Environmental Protection Agency, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Students, staff, and communities in participating schools, particularly those in low-income or disadvantaged areas.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill operates within existing federal education authorities under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Museum and Library Services Act, with no apparent constitutional conflicts noted. It promotes interagency coordination on environmental and health issues without mandating new regulations. Politically, it emphasizes voluntary participation and partnerships while directing funds toward equity in school access to green practices.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-25: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-25: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Green Ribbon Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-25 — PDF (16 pages)