June 5, 2008

CAPITOL HILL (AP) -- A bill passed by the House aimed at making schools greener is facing a veto threat from the White House.

The administration says it's wrong for the federal government to launch a costly new school building program.

The House Wednesday voted to commit more than 20 billion dollars over the next five years to help states build and renovate schools to make them more energy-efficient and good for the environment.

Democrats say the bill would save school districts billions in energy costs while reducing asthma and other environmentally linked health problems.

The legislation must now be considered by the Senate.

(Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.)