[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1863 Introduced in House (IH)]
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117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1863
To establish a grant program to fund the installation of green roof
systems on public school buildings, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 11, 2021
Ms. Velazquez (for herself, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Takano, Ms. Norton, Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Jones, Ms. Barragan, and Ms. Jackson Lee)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a grant program to fund the installation of green roof
systems on public school buildings, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Public School Green Rooftop
Program''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Green roofs on educational facilities can provide an
easily accessible site to teach students and visitors about
biology, math, STEM, art, sustainability, green roof
technology, and the benefits of green roofs.
(2) The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes the
installation of green roofs throughout a city can help reduce
surface urban heat islands and cool the air.
(3) The General Services Administration recognizes a
typical green roof lasts more than 40 years before requiring
replacement, whereas the life of an unvegetated conventional
roof could be 10 to 15 years. By making the roof membranes last
longer, green roofs can save taxpayer money and reduce the
amount of waste that is diverted into landfills.
(4) The National Park Service recognizes green roofs can
improve the energy performance of buildings, help manage
stormwater, reduce airborne emissions, and mitigate the effects
of urban heat islands.
(5) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations encourages and supports countries to promote school
gardens with educational goals to help students, school staff,
and families make the connection between growing food and good
diets, develop life skills, and increase environmental
awareness.
(6) Greater weatherization and insulation offered by green
roof assemblies reduce the amount of energy needed to moderate
the temperature of a building, as roofs can be the source of
the greatest heat loss in the winter and the hottest
temperatures in the summer.
(7) A green roof can protect waterproofing membranes from
exposure to ultraviolet radiation and wide temperature
fluctuations. This protection feature can greatly extend the
lifespan and cost effectiveness of waterproofing membranes.
(8) Green roofs can contribute to landfill diversion by
prolonging the life cycle of waterproofing membranes and
insulation materials. By increasing the life cycle and reducing
roof replacement costs, less roofing materials over the life of
the building need to be disposed of. Green roofs generate the
need for recycled components in growing media. Green roofs can
prolong the service life of heating, ventilation, and HVAC
systems through decreased use.
(9) Green roofs can reduce the amount of stormwater runoff
and also delay the time at which runoff occurs, resulting in
decreased stress on sewer systems and streams at peak flow
periods and decreased pollution in United States waterways.
(10) The plants on green roofs can capture airborne
pollutants, atmospheric deposition, and can filter noxious
gases, as well as provide habitat for and habitat connectivity
for local species of pollinators.
(11) Green roofs can provide much needed additional
greenspaces to urban centers. These greenspaces can create new
habitats for a wide variety of plants, animals, and insects
needed for healthy biosystems.
(12) Green roofs can provide much needed greenspaces for
healthy human habitation of dense urban spaces. Green roofs can
be used for passive and active recreation and relaxation spaces
for humans.
(13) Green roofs can generate potential employment for
green roof installation and maintenance personnel. Specialized
green roof installations can generate income and employment for
urban farm operations.
(14) The temperature moderating effects of green roofs can
reduce demand for electrical power and other energy and fuel
sources, and potentially decrease the amount of CO<INF>2</INF>
and other polluting by-products being released into the air.
(15) Through natural transpiration, plants on vertical and
horizontal surfaces are able to cool cities during hot summer
months and reduce the urban heat island effect.
(16) Green roofs plants can capture dust and particulate
matter throughout cities, as well as the production of smog.
This can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
adapting urban areas to a future climate with warmer summers.
(17) Green roofs improve human health and wellbeing through
improvement of local air quality, regulation of temperature,
and sequestration of harmful airborne substances, particularly
among children and other vulnerable or at-risk communities.
(18) Green roofs on public infrastructure provide cost-
savings for the life of the project, through defraying future
replacement and energy costs.
(19) Green roofs contribute to the stabilization of
neighborhoods as a result of improved health, scenic qualities,
and elevated nearby property valuation.
(20) Green roofs provide habitat for wildlife such as
pollinators and migratory birds.
SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR PLANNING ASSISTANCE.
(a) Grant Program Authorized.--The Secretary, taking into account
recommendations from the Director of the Weatherization and
Intergovernmental Programs Office of the Department of Energy, shall
make grants to eligible entities to pay the costs of planning
assistance for a green roof system described in subsection (b).
(b) Allowable Use of Funds for Grants for Planning Assistance.--An
eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use the
grant for the following purposes:
(1) Identification of opportunities to use green roofs.
(2) Assessment of vertical structures, or possible vertical
structures, to support vegetation and ground-level areas that
support vegetation in the same school building.
(3) Permitting and siting issues, including potential
synergy of the green roof with green roofs, green walls, and
rain gardens in neighboring buildings.
(4) Business planning and financial analysis.
(5) Architectural and engineering analysis, including
analysis of--
(A) a site to determine required structural loading
capacity;
(B) plans for material transportation to roof;
(C) the distribution of material and equipment
during construction;
(D) plans for reinforcement of roof;
(E) plans for structural safety;
(F) plans to increase available loading;
(G) plans to determine need and location of
vegetation-free zones for access to mechanical
equipment, roof parapets, and other common roof
structures;
(H) plans for need for permanent or semi-permanent
irrigation systems to provide supplemental water during
times of drought; and
(I) plans to determine need for a leak detection
system.
(6) Cost estimation, including--
(A) technical information on the cost of
construction (market prices, labor, materials, and
transportation);
(B) a life cycle cost analysis;
(C) an estimate of operational costs; and
(D) an estimate of costs to include recreational
space in order to meet the requirements of title III of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
12101 et seq).
(7) Grant writing services, including reimbursement for
grant writing services used to obtain a grant under this
section.
(c) Application.--To receive a grant under this section, an
eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
SEC. 4. PUBLIC SCHOOL GREEN ROOF INSTALLATION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Public School Green Roof Installation Program.--Not later than
1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to install
an extensive or intensive green roof system.
(b) Application.--To receive a grant under subsection (a), an
eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require, which shall include--
(1) a letter of compliance from local regulatory bodies
to--
(A) certify a complete review of proposed design to
ensure that it meets municipal requirements;
(B) ensure that installation is carried out in
accordance with local standards and incentive program
performance requirements (if available);
(C) determine requirements for issuing permits;
(D) determine occupancy requirements for fire
codes; and
(E) ensure projects meet the minimum performance
standard specified within the Living Architecture
Performance Tool (LAPT) rating system for green roofs
and walls;
(2) a complete description of the eligible entity's plans
for reinforcement of its roof to withstand a green roof, if
needed;
(3) a complete description of the eligible entity's plan
for the installation and operation of a green roof system,
including descriptions of--
(A) the square footage of the proposed vegetated
area and anticipated soil depth;
(B) the hiring criteria and qualifications for
green roof installation and maintenance personnel with
the inclusion of local workforce trainees, including at
least one Green Roof Professional (GRP) as accredited
by the Green Roof Industry Association;
(C) the methods for the green roof installation and
maintenance;
(D) a plan for utilization of the green roof,
including weatherization, recreational space,
education, food production, or whether access and
utilization will be extended to members of the
neighborhood;
(E) a plan for intensive green roof applications
that include recreational space use to meet the
requirements of title III of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq);
(F) a strategy for increasing energy efficiency and
reducing heat reflection; and
(G) a plan for hiring low-income individuals or
individuals registered with a one-stop center for
installation and maintenance positions; and
(4) the eligible entity's maintenance plan; and
(c) Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities in which not fewer
than 30 percent of students served by such entities are from families
with incomes below the poverty line.
(d) Installation.--Not later than 4 years after receiving a grant
under subsection (a), an eligible entity shall complete installation of
a green roof system.
(e) Maintenance of Infrastructure.--In addition to receiving a
grant under subsection (a), each eligible entity that meets the
installation requirements of subsection (d) shall receive additional
funding for an additional 4-year period for maintenance activities,
which may include the following:
(1) Conducting routine inspections throughout the year to
monitor the condition of the green roof and surrounding roof
areas and structures, especially after storm events.
(2) Monitoring plant health and replacing any plants, as
necessary.
(3) Noting any areas impacted by rooftop microclimates
(including wind erosion, shady spots, exhaust vents, drip
edges, and intense reflected light) where replanting may not be
successful, and alternate planting types, planting techniques,
or an alternate approach may be necessary.
(4) Watering nonirrigated systems during prolonged drought
periods and maintenance of any irrigation system for the green
roof.
(5) Addressing weeds and pests when needed using organic,
essential-oils based products.
(6) For intensive green roofs where more highly diverse
plant groups and types are used, ensuring plant maintenance and
care is generally consistent with the requirements of ground-
level landscaping, including consultation with a
horticulturalist, agronomist, or landscape professional.
(7) Engaging local workforce trainees.
SEC. 5. REPORT TO THE CONGRESS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Education
and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and make publically
available on the Internet website of the Department of Energy, a report
describing--
(1) each grant application received under this Act; and
(2) any grants awarded under this Act, including--
(A) the name and location of the eligible entity;
(B) the total amount of the grant;
(C) the date on which the grant was awarded;
(D) the square footage of vegetated area, soil
depth, and soil porosity of media of each public school
green roof funded with the grant; and
(E) any other data the Secretary determines to be
necessary for an evaluation of the benefits of a public
school green roof.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Elementary school.--The term ``elementary school'' has
the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801), except
that such section shall be applied as if the term ``State'', as
it appears in such section, had the meaning given such term in
this section.
(2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a public elementary school or secondary school;
(B) a local educational agency; or
(C) a partnership between a nonprofit organization
and an entity described in paragraphs (1) or (2).
(3) Green roof.--The term ``green roof'' means a layer of
vegetation planted over a waterproofing system or waterproof
management practice that is installed on top of a flat or
slightly-sloped roof that may support plant growth, including--
(A) an extensive green roof with a growing media
layer that is up to 6 inches thick; or
(B) an intensive green roof with a growing media
layer that is 6.0 to 48 inches thick.
(4) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(5) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801), except that such section shall be applied as if the term
``State'', as it appears in such section, had the meaning given
such term in this section.
(6) Low-income individual.--The term ``low-income
individual'' means, with respect to any calendar year, any
individual who lives in a household that has a gross income
that does not exceed 300 percent of the poverty line.
(7) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 which is exempt
from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
(8) One-stop center.--The term ``one-stop center'' has the
meaning given such term in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
(9) Poverty line.--The term ``poverty line'' has the
meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(10) Secondary school.--The term ``secondary school'' has
the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801), except
that such section shall be applied as if the term ``State'', as
it appears in such section, had the meaning given such term in
this section.
(11) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Energy.
(12) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States
and the District of Columbia, each of the territories, and each
of the Indian tribes.
(13) Territory.--The term ``territory'' means the United
States Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(14) Weatherization.--The term ``weatherization'' means the
practice of protecting a building and its interior from the
elements, particularly from sunlight, precipitation, and wind,
and of modifying a building to reduce energy consumption and
optimize energy efficiency.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Appropriation for Grants for Planning Assistance.--There is
authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 to carry out section 3 for
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(b) Appropriation for Green Roof Installation.--There is authorized
to be appropriated $300,000,000 to award grants under section 4(a) for
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
(c) Appropriation for Maintenance of Infrastructure.--There is
authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 to provide funds under
section 4(e) for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
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