The bill, the Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006, would affect Rocky Mountain states, providing up to $200 million through 2009 for schools to issue bonds on which they would pay no interest to acquire renewable energy from sources like solar panels, geothermal heat pumps or small wind turbines. The measure is identical to legislation introduced by Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"Schools are vulnerable to the sky-rocketing costs of energy. When their energy budgets take a hit, kids' education suffers," Matheson, D-Utah, said in a statement.

"This legislation will help public school districts save money, increase educational opportunities and take advantage of advances in renewable energy technology."

The states affected are Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Idaho.

-Thomas Burr