Electric School Buses—for Free

Jun 12

Here's an issue close to our hearts (and lungs): school buses. Over 20 million U.S. children hop aboard a public school bus every day, and over 90% of those buses still run on diesel. Diesel is dirty and carbon-intensive, but we have the power to get it out of our neighborhoods—and the federal government has already begun the process.

The magic school bus—what’s it like?

In an electric school bus, the air in and around the vehicle would be free of diesel exhaust. And riding the bus would be quiet! In fact, electric school buses are so quiet that they are equipped with sound devices to alert others on the road. Quieter, smoother rides lead to calmer kids and safer drivers. While plugged in to recharge (school buses can sit idle for up to 18 hours a day during the school year), electric buses could be used as mobile generators during emergencies or even return electricity to the grid during peak usage times.

Buckle in for these benefits.

Twenty-eight percent of U.S. emissions come from the transportation sector; a nationwide shift to electric school buses would make a big yellow dent in that. If we electrified half the diesel school buses in the country, we could eliminate 2.1 million tons of CO2 annually (even when accounting for emissions from electricity generation). And breaking up with diesel has undeniable benefits for our children: lower instances of asthma and higher test scores. Benefits are especially impactful in underserved communities, which are more likely to rely on school buses than their wealthier counterparts.

School is out, new EPA grant applications are in!

The EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Program grant application is now open! Schools have until August 22, 2023, to apply.

The 2021 Investment Infrastructure & Jobs Act allocated $5 billion in electric school bus grants to support the transition from diesel fleets. Administered by the EPA, the program has already awarded $500 million in school bus funding in 2022, with an additional $400 million on the horizon in 2023. In districts across the country, this transition is already underway. But to ensure it happens at the speed and scale our children deserve, school districts must proactively apply for a grant. A portion of these funds could go unused if school districts don’t hear about the opportunity or fail to act.

Cost savings everyone can get on board with.

For school districts, the cost savings from going electric would be substantial. If a district is approved for the grant money, the federal government will absorb 100% of the initial cost of the buses it approves, and school districts can expect significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs. Electric bus motors have about 20 parts (compared with 2,000 in a diesel engine) and require far less maintenance. Fueling with electrons is also significantly cheaper than diesel. Considering the tight budgets in which most districts operate, these savings could be a game-changer.

It's time to spread the word: tell your local school district or alma mater about the grant!

➡️ Click here for the Climate Changemakers Electrify School Buses Action Plan. Everything you need to encourage schools to apply for funding. We have three recommended Action Playbooks that are proven to have an impact.

➡️ To take action alongside fellow changemakers on Zoom, register for an Hour of Action. Never been to an Hour of Action? They’re the best way to carve out time to advocate for climate solutions! Here’s what to expect.

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Climate Changemakers monitors the policy landscape to find the best opportunities for constituent advocacy. Become a member, drop into an Hour of Action, or follow us on social media for meaningful ways to do something about the climate emergency.

Rah Riley