Thanks to the passage of Proposition 39, an estimated $450 million will go to California schools in the upcoming year to pay for energy efficiency and clean energy projects, including approximately $7.8 million for local schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Additionally, nearly $50 million will be provided to fund energy projects at California’s 112 community colleges. These projects are expected to reduce energy bills, improve school conditions, and provide jobs for unemployed construction workers. “This funding is a huge ‘win’ for our schools and community colleges and our communities,” State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) said in a statement to the media. “It will help our schools operate greener and leaner, and put thousands of people to work around the state once these projects get underway. In addition, the long-term energy savings will mean additional funding available for classroom and other district needs.”
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), green retrofits can save between $10,000 and $16,000 annually for a typical 100,000-square-foot school building. As part of the agreement, each school district will be provided money based on average daily attendance and weighted for poverty. The school districts will submit applications to the California Energy Commission prior to receiving funds. Schools in Solvang, Buellton, Santa Ynez, and Los Olivos are on tap to receive $50,000 each.
This article appears in Aug 8-15, 2013.