Every day, over 20 million kids ride to school on diesel-fueled buses, emitting harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases. In an effort to make America’s yellow school buses more environmentally friendly, the Biden administration has allocated nearly $1 billion in grants to 280 school districts to help them transition to electric buses. This funding will purchase more than 2,700 electric vehicles to transport 7 million students in 37 states, with 86 percent of the funding going to low-income, rural, or tribal communities. This initiative aims to reduce the impact of diesel pollution, which disproportionately affects children of color and those in low-income areas.
The negative health effects of diesel pollutants on children, especially those in low-income and minority communities, are well-documented. Diesel exhaust leads to respiratory issues and asthma, with children being particularly vulnerable due to their developing respiratory systems and faster breathing rates. Moreover, the exposure to diesel pollution from school buses is compounded by the fact that students spend a significant amount of time on buses every year.
By transitioning to electric buses, school districts not only reduce harmful emissions but also save on maintenance costs, despite the higher initial investment. However, electric buses remain out of reach for many districts due to their higher cost compared to diesel buses. The recent federal funding in Nevada is helping school districts make the switch to electric buses, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for both students and communities along the bus routes.
In addition to reducing harmful emissions, electric school buses also offer the potential to improve the reliability of the power grid. School districts in Nevada are collaborating with the utility NV Energy to join a bus-to-grid trial where buses can contribute to the grid’s electricity supply when not in use.
