HB359, HB538, and HB1008 work together to support HB936, one of the three top priority bills in the [Virginia Progressives legislative agenda](http://VAProgressives.org). Taken together, the bills shape physical and curricular infrastructure Virginia's children will need to prepare for taking on the problems of the social provisioning of human needs going into a global climate crisis, and include proper funding mechanisms for their implementation. These bills reach up to meet initiatives from the federal level. Billions in federal funds are being spent into existence, and will flow in greater amounts in the future. They are seeking such programs in order to be spent effectively. More than half a dozen currently active can be found in our above linked legislative agenda, including, directly addressing the impact statement for HB936, [guidance for the EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG)](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2023-09/CPRG%20General%20Competition%20NOFO.pdf) which states: ---- Accordingly, the CPRG general competition for implementation grants is designed to enable states, municipalities, tribes, and territories to achieve the following goals:" ... 2. Pursue measures that will achieve substantial community benefits (such as reduction of criteria air pollutants (CAPs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)), particularly in low- income and disadvantaged communities; ... In general, EPA anticipates that applications may seek funding for the following types of measures: ... • Implementation of new benchmarking and building performance standards ----- VA DEQ has been made aware, including in its Glen Allen DEQ CPRG public input session, that HB936 can tap this program while making DEQ's application more competitive.

Comments Document

To the Distinguished Members of the House Education K-12 Subcommittee - Change the Air Foundation is writing in support of HB 936, an act to improve indoor air quality standards in public schools in Virginia. This simple change will do so much to impact the health and well-being of so many Virginian students and school personnel. Poor indoor air quality and water-damaged indoor environments not only impacts our health, but also causes significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship. What’s worse, water damage is not always a visible problem and can be hidden behind walls and in places not often frequented, such as attics and crawl spaces. Many individuals may be suffering from chronic health symptoms and have no idea that the culprit behind their degrading health rests within these hazardous indoor spaces. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC NIOSH) estimates that the average American spends over 90% of their time indoors. The American Lung Association states that the average adult takes 20,000 breaths a day. The U.S. EPA’s research indicates air pollutants can be 2 - 5 times - even up to 100 times - higher indoors than outdoor levels. These statistics paint an important picture: We spend more time indoors than ever breathing in air that is potentially bad for our health. Indoor air quality and the state of our indoor environments has an immense impact on our health and well-being. Mold and water damage is often a major, hidden driver behind illnesses that are entirely preventable with the right resources and information available to the public. Change the Air Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping families across the country breathe safe indoor air. The Foundation believes that every person has a right to know that their indoor environments may be affected by mold, bacteria, and other potentially harmful indoor pollutants. We believe that healthy and safe indoor air is a basic right. We also believe that HB 936 is consistent with the science and current policy recommendations, is practical and will protect thousands of Virginia students and school personnel in the years to come. Mold-related illnesses can be prevented if residents and owners are properly informed and take the necessary steps to identify and prevent mold and water damage in their housing environments. Change the Air Foundation believes that HB 936, if passed, can be a cornerstone leading the way towards safer indoor air quality standards for all in Virginia. The attachment will be used to support our position with data and relevant information. We urge you to pass this bill and stand ready to provide further information. In health and change, Brandon Chappo Director of Public Policy Change the Air Foundation