A joint resolution that would encourage the state Board of Education and Utah's school districts to build environmentally friendly and energy-efficient schools narrowly passed out of the House Government Operations committee Tuesday on a 5-3 vote.
Rep. Mark Wheatley, D-Murray, is sponsoring HJR20 to provide "more than just a gentle nudge" for school planners to consider having new construction meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
By doing so, Wheatley said construction costs could increase 2 to 3 percent but annual energy savings would add up to about $100,000 per year -- which equates to pay for two starting teachers, 5,000 new books or 200 computers.
In addition to overall cost savings, the new buildings would be better ventilated and therefore reduce the incidence of asthma, allergies and colds in students and teachers.
However, Rep. John Mathis, R-Vernal, questioned the section referencing climate change and moved to strike that part of the non-binding resolution.
"I don't have a problem with making our schools as safe as they can be and energy-efficient," Mathis said. "But I don't buy into the climate change theory and I don't think that CO2 is a pollutant in any way."
His motion passed on a 7-2 vote.
Susan Kuziak, of the Utah Education Association, spoke in support of HJR20.
"There are buildings, older and some newer ones, where you get what's called sick-building syndrome," Kuziak said. "A good, healthy environment is important to quality education."
While resolutions do not carry the weight of law, Kuziak urged HJR20 to pass "to encourage people to try to accomplish better things."
The resolution cleared the committee with three lawmakers, Rep. Douglas Aagard, R-Kaysville, Rep. Keith Grover, R-Provo and Rep. Craig Frank, R-Cedar Hills voting against it. HJR20 now advances to the House floor for further discussion.
