[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1952]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1952]]
          INTRODUCING THE HIGHER EDUCATION SUSTAINABILITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 24, 2007

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce, along 
with my colleague Representative Vern Ehlers, the ``Higher Education 
Sustainability Act of 2007.'' This legislation authorizes funding for 
sustainability programs in American colleges and universities to 
develop, implement, and evaluate economic, environmental, and social 
sustainability programs. The legislation also directs the Secretary of 
Education to convene a summit of higher education experts to showcase 
best practices in the field of sustainability.
  Hundreds of U.S. cities and companies as well as international 
agencies, including the United Nations and the World Business Council 
for Sustainable Development, are advancing sustainable practices in all 
arenas. As population growth, urban development and extreme weather 
incidents place greater stress on ecosystems around the globe; the need 
for developing innovative approaches to sustainable development becomes 
critical to our economic competitiveness, environmental health, and the 
strength of our communities.
  The ``Higher Education Sustainability Act'' would facilitate the 
development of programs that keep American students on the cutting edge 
of technology and global competition while benefiting our communities. 
The legislation also provides funds to establish rigorous benchmarks 
for evaluating programs, ensuring that sustainability graduates meet 
industry standards for best practices. With the threat of global 
warming looming larger every day, we must invest now in the research 
and human capital needed to address its impacts and sustain our economy 
and our communities.

                          ____________________