Commentaries at the San Antonio Report provide space for our community to share perspectives and offer solutions to pressing local issues. The views expressed in this commentary belong to the author alone.
As we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which contains many provisions to boost clean energy and create good jobs, one in particular will help revolutionize our public schools. Buried in a 2,000-page document is a provision called “direct pay,” which allows our local governments and nonprofits to access huge benefits from solar, wind and geothermal energy.
As a teacher, I see firsthand how improving the energy efficiency of public buildings will transform our public schools. These changes will help schools remain open after extreme weather events and ensure more funding goes directly to the classroom instead of covering high electricity bills.
Last winter, San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) encountered significant challenges with HVAC systems during an unexpected January cold snap, which resulted in cold classrooms and a difficult situation for both students and staff. Concerned parents, eager to ensure their children’s comfort and safety, reached out to principals and teachers, with some even bringing space heaters to help. The district, faced with an unprecedented and widespread issue, made the decision to close schools for the remainder of the week to address the situation effectively.
The district’s HVAC infrastructure, a patchwork of old and new systems without centralized monitoring, was overwhelmed. Superintendent Jaime Aquino noted that some schools, over 100 years old, had been retrofitted, but these efforts fell short due to inconsistent installation and quality control. The crisis revealed a significant need for standardized, real-time monitoring and extensive HVAC system upgrades.
Imagine automatically getting 30%-50% back on clean energy upgrades or renewable projects. That’s what direct pay offers to local governments, nonprofits and public schools. Just make the upgrades, and the money is yours. This initiative aims to boost clean energy and reduce carbon use since commercial buildings are responsible for 35% of emissions. It’s designed to help tax-exempt organizations, allowing local governments to benefit without a complicated application process.
Public schools are the second largest element of our physical infrastructure after transportation. Texas is home to over 8,000 public schools. But like many schools nationwide, many of these buildings are filled with issues that could harm kids, workers and our planet. From leaky roofs and burst pipes to outdated heating and cooling systems, many school buildings release large amounts of pollution and are dilapidated, antiquated and need repair.
SAISD is not the only school district facing HVAC failures. Many Houston campuses failed to meet temperature, carbon dioxide and humidity standards. Similarly, a local advocacy group in El Paso is fighting to replace outdated HVAC systems, citing negative impacts on students’ learning and well-being. The Inflation Reduction Act’s direct pay provisions could address these issues and improve public schools.
Crucially, these incentives come with strong labor standards, including apprenticeship requirements and requiring workers on these projects to be paid a real living wage. That means we can invest in energy-efficient buildings while creating good jobs to do the work, strengthening our communities and local economies.
Direct pay offers schools, nonprofits and local governments a chance to invest in clean energy without the burden of a lengthy application or approval. It’s a hidden gem. This isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about making our public spaces safe, healthy, and future-proof. It’s a win-win-win for our local economies, our environment and our kids.
