People across the country are raving over the electric school buses rolling into their neighborhoods. Kids love the shiny new buses because they don’t contribute to climate change while adults appreciate the safety features and creating cleaner communities.
Want to help bring electric school buses to your community? Hurry! Now is the time to encourage your school district to apply for the latest round of EPA Clean School Bus Program funding, which closes February 14. The application process involves a quick and easy one-page form.
Need to make a case for the powers that be to fill out the form? Check out what folks in the know are saying about electric school buses:
Kids and Parents
“Electric school buses have better AC. They are better for the environment because they burn less fuel. This is what our school is doing to make the air clean in our neighborhood and protect us from climate change. We are worried about climate change because it means fewer snow days, no more skiing, no more sledding.” —Valencia (age 10) and Natalia (age 8), Electric School Bus Riders, Montgomery County, MD
“Our family relied on yellow school buses every day for the nine years that our kids were in elementary school. I used to volunteer at their school a lot. At the end of the day, I remember all of the buses lined up, idling outside the school. The bus exhaust was unbearable. Electric buses will be a dream come true for our kids!” —Kathy M. Newman, Parent and School Volunteer, Pittsburgh, PA
School Officials and Teachers
“Pellston Public Schools couldn’t be more thrilled or appreciative regarding our partnership with the EPA. The $1.58 million rebate for four new electric school buses has had a positive effect countless ways in our district. They complement our hoop house and solar array. The clean energy initiatives have inspired us to look towards a roof replacement and large solar array on our entire high school roof next summer.” —Stephen C. Seelye, Pellston Public Schools Superintendent, at a 2023 event in Pellston, MI, to celebrate EPA Clean School Bus Program funding awarded to the district
“Over the past few years, electric school buses have become a popular resource in helping school districts reduce the negative impacts that mass transportation can have on the environment. In dense communities, school buses sometimes outnumber the transit buses on the road. That’s why school districts like Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) are doing their part to take advantage of the critical benefits that electric school buses offer. In addition to zero emissions, our buses include safety features such as 360-view cameras to assist with driver safety and accident prevention; extended battery warranty to sustain the life of the vehicle; and noise reduction because they have no engine. ACPS will continue to purchase electric school buses for the foreseeable future.” —MeChale’ Johnson, Director of Pupil Transportation and Fleet Management, Alexandria City Public Schools, VA
“The allocated funds for electric school buses through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are a wonderful opportunity for public school budgets—which always run tight. Schools are constantly in need of new buses, and their high costs can put a burden directly on classrooms. Now is the time for schools to start electrifying their fleets. More than 35 million students get to and from school on buses everyday, and breathing in burning diesel fumes causes a completely different burden on students. These same students have shown that they want cleaner air, and a healthier future. It’s a win-win for schools and student values.” —Alecia Jongeward, former Park High School science teacher, Livingston, MT
Elected Officials
“I championed the Clean Bus Program when we passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I am thrilled to see these critical funds invested in Georgia to help further cement our state as a leader in the clean energy economy. Our children deserve clean, healthy transportation on the road to a better education, and I’m going to keep fighting to direct more critical investments to my state to modernize transportation, protect our environment, and support good-paying jobs.” —Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA), in an EPA press release celebrating Clean School Bus Program funding awarded to his state
Learn more about how electric school buses can benefit your district in our REASONS TO ROLL WITH ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSES fact sheet.
Join Moms in spreading the word about this valuable funding opportunity that promises cleaner air for our children and communities. Don’t miss out!