School bonds will fund energy efficiency projects

Senators passed a bill April 28 that expands an existing authority of school districts to levy property taxes and issue bonds for capital projects to include energy efficiency projects.

LB283, introduced by Malcolm Sen. Ken Haar, includes energy efficiency projects in the $0.052 levy school districts receive for the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund (QCPUF).

Currently, QCPUF allows expenditures for environmental hazards, accessibility barriers, life safety code violations, indoor air quality and mold abatement.

Under the bill, energy efficiency projects also will include:
• inspection and testing regarding energy usage;
• maintenance to reduce, control or eliminate energy usage; or
• restoration or replacement of material in new or existing school grounds or buildings that would reduce or eliminate energy usage.

The bill passed on a 27-19 vote.