$1 Billion EPA Investment Gives School Buses a Green Boost

In an effort to combat climate change and protect the health of students, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has committed $1 billion to support the transition of the country’s yellow school bus fleet to electric. The investment, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will help replace older diesel buses with clean, electric ones.

A Shift to Electric School Buses

The EPA’s billion-dollar investment will fund the transformation of diesel-fueled school buses into zero-emission electric buses, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the health of millions of children who ride these buses each day. The initiative is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by President Joe Biden in November 2021.

Health Benefits of Electric Buses

In addition to combating climate change, the switch to electric buses will also have significant health benefits. Diesel exhaust contains harmful pollutants, which children are particularly sensitive to. Electric buses provide a cleaner, healthier alternative that will reduce the risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases among students.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Role

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, was signed into law by President Biden in November 2021. The Act includes provisions for $1 billion to be dedicated to the replacement of old, polluting school buses with new, clean electric ones. The investment is expected to replace around 10% of the nation’s current bus fleet.

This $1 billion investment from the EPA signifies a major step forward in the fight against climate change and for the health of American schoolchildren. With the shift to electric school buses, students will not only have a cleaner ride to school, but will also be less exposed to harmful pollutants, making the journey to and from school safer.