Green Ribbon Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced
Summary
Expands and strengthens the Green Ribbon Schools Program to push more schools toward environmental literacy, healthier indoor environments, and long-term sustainability. The bill would widen who can participate, update award standards, and fund state support and recognition to reach more under-resourced and tribal schools.
Show full summary
- Students and families: Would push schools to set graduate environmental literacy goals and improve indoor air and other health conditions tied to learning.
- Schools, the Bureau of Indian Education, and colleges: Would expand eligibility for recognition, reserve $250,000 for Interior support for BIE-operated or funded schools, and offer a $10,000 honorarium to each award winner subject to appropriations.
- State education agencies and program support: Would create competitive grants of $250,000 to $1,000,000 that must spend at least 40% on under-resourced schools, fund statewide training and partnerships, require updated award criteria aligned with EPA and CDC science, and mandate annual and biannual program reports.
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Green Ribbon awards and eligibility
This bill would strengthen the Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools awards. It would expand which schools and institutions can be eligible. The Secretary would update award criteria within 6 months and consult the EPA and CDC. Each award winner would receive a $10,000 honorarium if Congress appropriates the money.
State grants to expand green schools
This bill would create competitive grants for State education agencies to scale green school practices. Individual grants would be $250,000 to $1,000,000 and funds would be available for up to 3 years. States would have to spend at least 40% of grant money on under‑resourced schools and show documentation. Allowed uses include training, partnerships, recognition programs, and sharing best practices.
Museums and libraries Green Ribbon awards
This bill would direct the Institute of Museum and Library Services to start a Green Ribbon award program for museums, libraries, and similar institutions. National award winners would get a $10,000 honorarium. The bill would authorize $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and allow funds for 2028–2032, and it would require the Secretary to reserve 10% of appropriations for the IMLS program and may reserve up to 5% for administration.
Office of school infrastructure support
This bill would create an Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability inside the Department of Education with three full‑time staff. The office would provide technical help and, if Congress funds it, grants to states and local school districts on planning, construction, operations, and green building practices. The bill would authorize $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to run the office.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 6/24/2026
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 6/24/2026
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 6/24/2026
Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 6/24/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov