Buildings consume more energy than any other sector of the U.S. economy and account for the majority of the nation’s electricity consumption. To help states develop strategies to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings and reduce costs and emissions, the NGA Center announced six states have been selected to participate in the Policy Academy on State Building Efficiency Retrofit Programs.

Despite recent high school reform efforts, the dropout problem in the United States remains daunting. To address this troubling issue that affects all states, the NGA Center announced it has selected six states to develop comprehensive state dropout prevention and recovery policies through the State Strategies to Achieve Graduation for All initiative.

President Obama last week told a group of 11 governors — including those from coal-friendly states — that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy, reports Stateline.org.

NGA sent a letter to Congressional Leaders urging Congress to significantly increase funding for school nutrition programs contained in child nutrition legislation in order to reduce child hunger and improve the health and nutrition of children across the nation.