S. 4914 — Green Ribbon Act of 2026

This section establishes the Green Ribbon Schools Program at the Department of Education to recognize elementary and secondary schools, local educational agencies, Bureau of Indian Education schools, and institutions of higher education that achieve 100 percent environmental literacy among graduates, target 100 percent emission reductions from buildings and operations, and deliver net positive impacts on student and staff health. It requires the Secretary to update award criteria within 6 months to align with EPA and CDC guidance on climate resilience and student health, reserves $250,000 for Bureau of Indian Education schools, awards $10,000 honoraria to winners, and mandates annual reports beginning November 1, 2027.

This section establishes a Green Ribbon Award Program at the Institute of Museum and Library Services to recognize nonformal learning institutions, including public and private libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, and similar entities, for high achievement in environmental education, net reductions in carbon footprints, and net positive health impacts on visitors and staff. It provides each national winner with a $10,000 honorarium and directs the Director to consult with the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This section establishes the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability within the Office of the Secretary of Education, staffed by 3 full-time employees. It authorizes $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 to direct a technical assistance center, provide grants and training to state and local educational agencies on school facility planning, design, construction, operation, and green building practices, develop best practices for equitable access to sustainable facilities, oversee the Green Ribbon Schools Program, and coordinate with other federal agencies.

This section authorizes appropriations of $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032 to carry out the Act, except section 4. It requires the Secretary to reserve 10 percent of appropriated amounts for section 3 and permits reservation of up to 5 percent for administrative expenses.