Bill · S. 4914· Senate(119-S-4914)
Green Ribbon Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/24/2026
- Last activity
- 6/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Cory Booker
- 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 within the Department of Education. It focuses on boosting the capacity of States to engage more schools in environmental, literacy, and health goals. The bill establishes a State Grant Program to help educational agencies support schools in meeting specific environmental pillars. Additionally, it creates a similar award program for nonformal learning institutions through the Institute of Museum and Library Services. A new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability will be established to provide technical assistance and oversee program expansion. Finally, the act authorizes significant funding to support these environmental and educational initiatives.
Yes· 3 of 13
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill aims to improve student health, thinking, and the ability to learn through better school environments.
Would students be better off under this?+5
The bill enhances student learning through increased environmental literacy and improved school health conditions.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+5
The bill targets significant emission reductions through school operations and greening of nonformal institutions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Environmental Literacy and Health: Schools are encouraged to implement pillars that ensure graduates are environmentally literate and that school operations have a net positive impact on the health of students and staff (Section 2(a)(4)).
-
Resource and Cost Savings: The program supports schools in implementing measures to reduce energy and water use and costs (Section 2(b)(1)(E)).
-
Support for Underresourced Communities: State grant recipients must assure that they expend at least 40 percent of grant funds to support underresourced schools (Section 2(c)(2)(A)).
-
Improved Learning Environments: The bill seeks to improve indoor air and other conditions for health and wellness in schools (Section 2(b)(1)(E)).
-
Recognition for Nonformal Institutions: Libraries, museums, and other nonformal learning institutions can receive recognition and an honorarium of $10,000 for excellence in greening their institutions (Section 3(c) and 3(d)).
-
Technical Assistance for Facilities: The new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability will provide technical assistance regarding the planning, design, and maintenance of school facilities (Section 4(b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Financial Dependency on Appropriations: Awards and honorariums for Green Ribbon School winners and nonformal institutions are subject to the availability of appropriations (Section 2(b)(3)(C) and Section 3(d)).
-
Time Limits on State Support: Grant funds awarded to State educational agencies are limited to a period of 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 Students+5Good For Native Americans+4Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Rural Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Roads And Bridges+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+1
- 6/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California