Electric buses powered by electricity, making their way across the nation's schools.
The school bus, a staple of American childhood, is poised to undergo a significant transformation. The identity of the next U.S. President could impact funding opportunities for electric school buses, a shift that is crucial for the health and well-being of children and the environment.
Pollution from diesel fumes has been linked to increased asthma and reduced cognitive development in children, disproportionately affecting low-income communities. With over 21 million children riding school buses daily, making it the largest U.S. mass transit system, the need for cleaner, safer alternatives is undeniable.
The up-front cost of electric school buses, estimated at $350,000 per bus, is a significant barrier for many school districts. However, the U.S. government has invested significantly in helping school districts transition to electric buses through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Clean School Bus Program, a $5 billion Environmental Protection Agency-funded grant program, has successfully integrated over 12,000 electric buses into school districts nationwide.
While the program is a step in the right direction, it is only scheduled to run through 2026 or until the $5 billion is depleted. Leaders at every level need to understand and rally behind the school bus electrification initiative to ensure a sustainable future.
Leading the charge are states such as California, New York, and Illinois, which have adopted laws to replace diesel-fueled school bus fleets with electric. The cities of Lüdenscheid (Märkische Verkehrsgesellschaft in North Rhine-Westphalia), Düsseldorf (Rheinbahn), and Rome (Autoservizi Troiani) have also committed to replacing diesel bus fleets with electric, aiming for delivery and deployment of electric buses in 2025 and beyond.
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The affordability of school bus electrification is a significant issue in shifting from diesel to electric. Approximately 90% of these buses run on diesel, a known carcinogen with public health and ecological impacts. As we move towards a greener future, it is essential to address the financial barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of electric school buses.
The identity of the next U.S. President could potentially impact funding opportunities for electric school buses. It is crucial that the next administration prioritizes cleaner, healthier transportation options for our children and the planet. By electrifying school buses, we can reduce pollution, improve public health, and set an example for a sustainable future.
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