119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9467
The Green Ribbon Act of 2026 expands a Department of Education program that recognizes schools making progress on environmental goals, environmental literacy, and the environmental health of students and staff. The bill strengthens the program by providing competitive grants to states (ranging from $250,000 to $1 million each for up to three years) to help more schools participate, with at least 40 percent of funds directed to under-resourced schools, and awards $10,000 honorariums to winning schools. The legislation also creates a similar Green Ribbon award program for libraries, museums, and other nonformal learning institutions through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and establishes a new Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Department of Education with three full-time staff members to provide technical assistance on school facility planning and green building practices. The bill authorizes $10 million in annual funding for fiscal year 2027 and subsequent years through 2032 for the school program, plus an additional $2 million for fiscal year 2027 for the new office.