Bill · H.R. 9467· House(119-HR-9467)
Green Ribbon Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/25/2026
- Last activity
- 6/25/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Jahana Hayes
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Green Ribbon Act of 2026 aims to strengthen and expand the Green Ribbon Schools Program through the Department of Education. This includes boosting the capacity of States to increase the number of schools and applicants engaged in environmental, literacy, and health goals. The bill establishes a State Grant Program to support eligible entities in achieving specific "Green Ribbon pillars." Additionally, it creates an award program for nonformal learning institutions like libraries and museums through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. A new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability will also be established within the Department of Education. Finally, the legislation provides for various grants, honorariums, and technical assistance to promote sustainable and healthy school environments.
Yes· 3 of 18
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill directly invests in improving the health, safety, and environmental literacy of school environments for children.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill reserves specific funds for the Secretary of the Interior to support schools operated or funded by the Bureau of Indian Education.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill aims to improve the physical environment, health, and environmental literacy of students in schools.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved School Environments: The program supports schools in reducing energy and water use, increasing resilience, and improving indoor air and other conditions for health and wellness (Section 2(b)(1)(E)).
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Increased Environmental Literacy: The bill focuses on helping students develop the capacity to interpret environmental systems and take action to maintain or improve them (Section 2(a)(3)).
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Support for Underresourced Schools: State educational agencies receiving grants must expend at least 40 percent of those funds to support underresourced schools (Section 2(c)(2)(A)).
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Recognition of High Performance: Schools that show high performance in meeting Green Ribbon pillars can receive an honorarium of $10,000 (Section 2(b)(3)(C)).
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Benefits for Nonformal Learning Institutions: Libraries, museums, and zoos can participate in an award program to recognize excellence in greening their institutions (Section 3(c)).
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Technical Assistance for Infrastructure: The creation of a new office will provide technical assistance, training, and grants related to school facility planning, design, and maintenance (Section 4(b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Dependency on Appropriations: The provision of honorariums for Green Ribbon School award winners and the work of the new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability are subject to available appropriations (Section 2(b)(3)(C), Section 4(c)).
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Grant Limitations: Grant funds awarded to State educational agencies are available for use for no more than 3 years (Section 2(c)(5)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Students+5Good For Low Income Households+4Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Improves Environmental Protections+4Improves Rural Development+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+1
- 6/25/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan