House Passes Bill to Promote 'Green Cleaning'

By Todd Hatton

Murray, KY – The Kentucky House has passed legislation to promote the use of 'green cleaning' products in schools. The bill sponsored by Democratic Representative Carl Rollins II of Midway directs the Department of Education to disseminate to school districts lists of recommended cleaning products, procedures, policies and staff training after consulting with the Department for Environmental Protection and the U.S. Green Building Council. Rollins said the bill "doesn't cost anything" and "is not a mandate for the schools." Democratic Representative Jim Gooch of Providence spoke against it, saying it was part of "an agenda ... to scare people." Gooch said the bill would promote products that are "probably more expensive" and "probably not better" than those being used now. The bill passed 92-4.