Green Ribbon Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4914
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T22:42:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill, titled 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 participation by states, schools, and other entities in efforts focused on environmental literacy, reducing environmental impacts, and improving environmental health. The legislation also creates a similar award program for nonformal learning institutions and establishes a new office to support school infrastructure and sustainability.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Definitions: Establishes terms such as "environmentally literate" (capacity to understand and act on environmental systems and sustainability) and "Green Ribbon pillars" (three goals: 100% environmental literacy among graduates, targeting 100% emission reductions in operations, and net positive impact on student/staff health).
- Green Ribbon Schools Program Updates: Requires the Secretary of Education to review and update award criteria within 6 months, including alignment with EPA and CDC guidelines on health, climate resilience, and literacy assessment. Provides grants to state educational agencies (minimum $250,000, maximum $1,000,000 for up to 3 years), requires 40% of funds for underresourced schools, and offers $10,000 honoraria to award winners. Mandates annual reports on program activities and biannual reports on state policies.
- State Grant Program: Awards competitive grants to state educational agencies for expanding green school practices, partnerships, training, and recognition events.
- IMLS Green Ribbon Award Program: Directs the Institute of Museum and Library Services to create a parallel award for museums, libraries, zoos, and similar institutions, with $10,000 honoraria and alignment to health science.
- New Office: Establishes the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education (3 full-time employees) to provide technical assistance, develop resources, recommend regulatory changes, and oversee the Green Ribbon program.
- Funding: Authorizes $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 (with 10% reserved for the IMLS program and up to 5% for administration), plus such sums as necessary through 2032; separately authorizes $2,000,000 for the new office in fiscal year 2027.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
- Formalizes and expands the voluntary Green Ribbon Schools Program with dedicated funding, mandatory criteria updates, and state-level grants, shifting it from a recognition-only effort to one with capacity-building support.
- Introduces a new federal award program at the Institute of Museum and Library Services modeled on the education program.
- Creates a dedicated Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability, authorizing technical assistance and grants on facility planning, green design, and sustainability.
- Requires specific allocations for underresourced schools and consultations with EPA and CDC.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities and funding for the Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Bureau of Indian Education, EPA, and CDC through coordination, grants, and reporting. The new office will liaise across agencies on school facilities.
- Citizens: May benefit students, staff, and communities through improved school environments, reduced energy costs, enhanced environmental education, and focus on health and climate resilience, particularly in underresourced or rural areas.
- International Relations: No direct provisions address international matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected by This Legislation
- Federal agencies (Department of Education, Institute of Museum and Library Services, EPA, CDC, Bureau of Indian Education).
- State and local educational agencies, elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education.
- Nonformal learning institutions such as museums, libraries, zoos, and nature centers.
- Students, educators, parents, and communities, especially those in low-income, rural, or disadvantaged areas.
- Nonprofit organizations, utilities, and businesses partnering on green school initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Operates within existing federal authority over education and museums/libraries, with no apparent constitutional conflicts.
- Emphasizes voluntary participation and state partnerships rather than mandates.
- Includes requirements for equitable access and alignment with public health science, potentially influencing future regulations on school facilities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (4)
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-06-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Green Ribbon Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (16 pages)