On May 14, the government passed a bill that aims to establish healthier and more environmentally economical schools. The 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act is projected to cost $6.4 billion in the first year. Critics (mostly Republicans) object to this high cost of funding but President Obama has made a point to boost the education system as part of his economic stimulus package.

This act will allow states to provide grants and low-interest loans so schools can make their facilities as modern, safe, clean, and energy-efficient as possible. Most of the funding would be dedicated towards meeting environmentally-friendly standards of building materials and energy sources. Those comprise of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System and Energy Star.

“It will give much-needed money to our schools struggling with huge budget deficits and deteriorating facilities, while encouraging energy efficiency and creating jobs for Americans that cannot be shipped overseas,” explained Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Ky., sponsor of the new bill.

Opponents disagree to the huge price tag, though. “It costs too much, it borrows too much, and it controls too much,” argued Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon of California, a Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee.

Supporters say that the funding is necessary and that too many schools across the nation suffer from poor lighting, poor air quality, leaking roofs and poorly-functioning furnaces.

The act will also see another $600 million over a six year period dedicated to fixing up public schools suffering from hurricane damage in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.