The Biden administration is taking action to replace diesel-fueled school buses across the country. With almost $1 billion in funding, approximately 530 school districts in 47 states and the District of Columbia will be able to purchase over 3,400 clean school buses. The majority of these buses, 92%, will be electric, significantly reducing greenhouse gas pollution and improving air quality for children.
Low-income, rural, and tribal communities will benefit from this initiative, with roughly 67% of the funding allocated to projects in these areas. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the importance of addressing the disproportionate impacts of air pollution on these communities and highlighted the economic opportunities that come with transitioning to clean school buses.
The Clean School Bus Program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has awarded nearly $3 billion to support the purchase of electric and alternative fuel buses in over 1,000 communities in the United States. Diesel exhaust exposure is linked to serious health conditions such as asthma and respiratory illnesses, particularly affecting children and the elderly. By transitioning to clean school buses, the administration is not only reducing air pollution but also creating new manufacturing jobs and boosting local economies.
The shift towards electric buses represents a commitment to building a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come. With this latest funding announcement, the administration is making significant strides in advancing environmental protection and public health.
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