Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is nearly doubling the funding for clean school buses after an overwhelming demand for the pollution-free vehicles. School districts from all 50 states, including in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, applied for the 2022 Clean School Bus rebates. Over 90 percent of applicants requested zero-emission electric school buses.
Nearly 95 percent of all school buses nationwide operate on dirty diesel fuel, which contributes to both climate and air pollution. Fumes inside diesel school buses can be up to 12 times higher than in ambient air, and this exposes both the kids riding the bus and the bus drivers taking them to school to dangerous health-harming pollutants.
In response to the announcement, Sierra Club Campaign Representative Eric Willadsen released the following statement:
“It’s no surprise that communities across the nation are demanding electric buses for kids and for the bus drivers breathing in harmful diesel pollution every day. The EPA’s decision to nearly double the first round of funding is a clear signal that these investments in electric school buses are vital and overdue. Our advocacy continues to ensure that every kid in the US can have a pollution-free ride to school."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.