Pataki bill requires ‘green' cleaning products in schools

ALBANY-Gov. George Pataki said this week he'll introduce legislation to require the use of "green" cleaning products in schools statewide, making good on a pledge he made during this year's State of the State address. "Parents deserve to know that their children are learning in an environment that is clean, safe and free of any unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals," Pataki said in announcing the bill. The governor said the legislation builds upon an executive order he signed in January that required state agencies to use environmentally sensitive cleaning products. Pataki said that order combined with his proposed legislation will improve air quality in public buildings across the state. Schools would be required to purchase on their own - or through central state purchasing contracts - the green cleaning products. If Pataki's legislation is passed by the Legislature, the law would take effect Sept. 1, 2006. Clair Barnett, executive director of the Healthy Schools Network, said the measure is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to control pollutants and improve air quality. Peter Riggi, president of the New York State Association for Superintendents of School Buildings and Grounds, said the group is ready to implement Pataki's plan.