About 25 million children with sensitive and developing respiratory systems in neighborhoods all across America are transported daily, to and from school, in large, noisy diesel buses, which emit high levels of pollutants. These buses can contain up to four times the amount of toxic fumes found in a typical passenger car. In order to address this health concern and tackle greenhouse gas emission, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law started to allocate $5 billion to assist school districts in purchasing new electric buses, producing zero emissions from their tailpipes.

During the latest round of funding, two of the largest school districts in the D.C. area were chosen– Fairfax County is set to receive $16.6 million to acquire 42 new electric school buses, and Montgomery County will be granted $4.7 million to add 50 electric buses to its fleet.

Despite the higher upfront costs associated with electric buses, they offer substantial long-term savings and health benefits. In addition to reducing harmful emissions, electric buses are more cost-effective over their lifespan due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses. By embracing electric buses, school districts can contribute to improved air quality and public health, ultimately creating safer and more sustainable transportation options for students and communities.

The transition to electric buses aligns with broader efforts to mitigate climate change and promote environmental sustainability. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, schools can play a pivotal role in achieving climate goals and fostering a healthier future for generations to come. Through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships, communities can pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient transportation infrastructure.

Sources:

Fenston, J. (2024, January 9). D.C.-Area School Districts Among Electric Bus Pioneers. https://dcist.com/story/24/01/09/dc-area-school-districts-electric-bus-epa-grants/ 

Electric school buses finally make headway, but hurdles still stand. Arizona Daily Star. (2024, February 28). https://tucson.com/news/nation-world/education/electric-school-buses-evs-progress-hurdles-remain/article_2c14c8d3-1161-5909-8b0a-2f63aa6b503f.html