What this bill does: SB 1091 will improve access for schools to pursue greening projects by addressing one policy barrier to greening school grounds, capping the required improvements to the path of travel beyond the greening project boundary to 20% of the adjusted construction cost for the project.
Why it matters: The lack of trees and natural areas disproportionately impacts our lowest-wealth communities and communities of color. When nature is absent where children spend their time, they are denied the health and learning benefits afforded to communities with access to more resources.
Current law requires school-ground greening projects that remove asphalt, plant trees and create nature-based outdoor learning spaces to bring the path of travel to the project up to code without a limit on the cost. These improvements may include installing bathrooms, parking, and other building improvements beyond the project boundaries. This represents a barrier to greening school grounds—especially for schools in low wealth communities who need these projects most—because even a small project can trigger expensive upgrades.
Additional context: Existing law, SB 515 (Stern), limits the cost of complying with providing an accessible path of travel to certain shade structure projects to 20%.
The Legislature has recognized extreme heat as a serious and urgent threat, and the 2022 California Extreme Heat Action Plan recognizes the urgency for cooling public schools in vulnerable communities, promoting the use of nature- based solutions. The state has also made recent investments to start addressing climate resilience at schools.
Letters, Links, & Engagement Record
April 11th support letter for the Senate Appropriations Committee hearing
March 28th support letter for the Senate Education Committee hearing