Association for Career and Technical Education

New Bill to Support "Green" CTE Programs




Earlier this week, Representative Jerry McNerney (D-CA) introduced the Grants for Renewable Energy Education for the Nation (GREEN) Act as H.R. 1775. ACTE has been working with Rep. McNerney on this legislation since last year and is excited about the possibility of additional support for CTE programs!



The GREEN Act would authorize $100 million in competitive grants to develop CTE programs of study and facilities in areas of renewable energy. It includes two main components:

grants to secondary-postsecondary-community partnerships for curriculum development
grants to develop CTE facilities that are energy efficient and promote the use of renewable energy practices
Although this bill has a long way to go before it would become law, and would also have to be funded through the appropriations process, one positive step has already occurred. Some of the bills language has been incorporated into the House Energy and Commerce Committees draft comprehensive energy legislation that was released yesterday. The Energy and Commerce Committee hopes to complete action on its bill by Memorial Day, which is a much faster timetable than the GREEN Act would likely face as a stand-alone bill. To ensure that the bill does move forward, it is critical that we let Members of Congress know about the importance of CTE in training workers in areas related to energy efficiency and renewable energy.




TAKE ACTION






Contact your Representative to alert him or her to this new bill. You can find contact information by visiting the ACTE Action Center.
Ask your Representative to sign on to H.R. 1775 as a co-sponsor to show support for the legislation. You can reference or send a copy of Rep. McNerneys Dear Colleague letter as background information.
Ask your Representative to contact the Energy and Commerce Committee to express support for the CTE and job training provisions contained in the Committees discussion draft (Sections 421 and 422) and urge support for maintaining this language in the final bill.
Make sure your Representative understands CTEs role in ensuring well-trained workers for high-demand careers in the 21st century economy, including those in energy sustainability. You can share ACTEs Issue Brief CTEs Role in Energy and Environmental Sustainability.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the ACTE Public Policy Department. You can read more about ACTEs policy activities and the latest happenings in Washington, DC, on ACTEs CTE Policy Watch blogcheck it out today!



Legislative Alert Information


ACTE's Legislative Alert is an e-mail newsletter produced by the ACTE Public Policy Department for ACTE members and interested nonmembers.



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We appreciate your efforts! Now more than ever, every career and technical education professional should support ACTE's advocacy efforts through ACTE membership and support of the CTE Support Fund.






) 2009 Association for Career and Technical Education
1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
800-826-9972 | publicpolicy@acteonline.org | http://www.acteonline.org/issues.aspx



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