A routine vote on a resolution on renewable energy for Rio Rancho Public Schools turned a little heated last Monday as the discussion turned to global warming.

School board president Don Schlichte said he was uncomfortable passing a resolution that stated the dependence on fossil fuels contributes to global warming. Fellow board members Marty Scharfglass and Craig Brandt agreed and voted to amend the resolution to strike that phrase. Divyesh Patel and Margaret Terry opposed the amendment.

Patel and Terry then voted against the amended resolution, while Schlichte, Scharflass and Brandt approved it.

The resolution signifies the district’s support for renewable energy and intent to apply for a grant to purchase and install a 100 kilowatt solar photovoltaic energy system at Rio Rancho High School.

Patel, while voting against the resolution, said he wanted the district to receive the grant. He said there was no need to strike the global warming phrase from Resolution No. 09-005, and said that the majority of scientists agree and confirm that fossil fuels have contributed to global warming.

"We’re here to teach science," Patel said. "A majority of scientists accept it. Global warming is accepted by more people than it is challenged (by)."

Schlichte said data doesn’t support global warming.

"I don’t agree with the statement and I believe it is a very debatable point of data," he said. "I’m not comfortable seeking the grant if we pass something that states something I don’t believe is true. I don’t think it’s (fossil fuels contributing to global warming) an accurate statement."

Patel was concerned that by striking the global warming phrase it could jeopardize the district’s chances of obtaining the grant.

RRPS Facilities Director Al Sena said the resolution is a board document and is not drafted as part of the requirement for the grant.

New Mexico has received $10 million in federal stimulus funds to distribute to a maximum of 20 school districts in the state to develop photovoltaic or solar electric systems in public schools.

Sena said Rio Rancho has the possibility to receive $500,000 to put toward that system and reduce energy use by 100 kilowatts a day.

"We’re working very closely with the high school and mapped out where it will work," he said. "We’re excited about it and it will further our efforts in alternative energy."

In addition to saving energy, the solar system has the potential to stimulate green energy jobs in the community and support clean energy education in the schools. Students and faculties throughout the district will have the opportunity to use the solar photovoltaic installation to learn about renewable energy and future career options in the field.

"This is an exciting possibility for the district and educational opportunities for students to see how renewable energy can become a reality in their community and school," RRPS Superintendent Sue Cleveland said.

Sena said no timetable on the grant award has been announced, but that he would keep the board apprised.

Rio Rancho Public Schools has undertaken other green initiatives. Las year, the district adopted a policy forbidding district vehicles from idling. The district has an Energy Green Cube initiative and V. Sue Cleveland High School has 600 geothermal wells under the student and staff parking lot.