Contact: Seth Palmer, 919.653.7816, [email protected]
Atlanta, GA — Top Georgia public and environmental health advocates urged the state’s elected leaders in Washington to support federal investments in clean transportation infrastructure today. The press conference was hosted by Moms Clean Air Force Georgia and is part of a series of events occurring across the country as the Biden administration and the US Congress consider broad infrastructure proposals and investments in clean transportation. The conference featured one of the first electric school buses in Georgia.
“Moms Clean Air Force is committed to addressing the climate chaos we see all around,” said Almeta Cooper, Georgia Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force. “It’s why we appreciate our Georgia Senators and Representatives who support big and bold investments in climate—including electrifying our transportation sector to improve public health and create economic opportunity for all Georgians.”
Speakers urged Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) to continue supporting clean energy growth and expansion of the market for clean school and transit buses in order to improve public health and create economic opportunity for all Georgians. Modernizing our transportation sector and investing in clean school and transit buses are critical to combating climate change, which makes extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and wildfires more frequent and intense.
“It’s critical that as policymakers, we be deliberate at how we work to support investments in clean transportation,” said Georgia Representative Teri Anulewicz (District 42). “I am encouraged that Congress is willing to work towards making these commitments.”
Investments in clean transportation, electric buses and vehicles are essential to meeting our nation’s climate goals, reducing air pollution, improving public health, achieving environmental justice, and spurring the economy. In April, the first electric school bus in the state was added to the Fulton County Schools fleet. Meaningful federal investments can spur the advancement of such programs that lead to cleaner air, reduced fuel costs, and more high-paying jobs for our communities.
“The accelerated adoption of zero-emission school buses means a safer and healthier environment for our children and our communities as well as supporting the growing electrification industry in Georgia,” said Andy Moore, Director of Electrification at Blue Bird Corporation, “It’s a win for everyone.”
These are popular investments. Recent polling found that 75% of voters in Georgia’s 6th Congressional District support investing in mass transit to reduce vehicle pollution and expand mass transportation outside and around Atlanta. Sixty-six percent of voters in the 6th Congressional District also support investments in electric vehicles and charging stations to reduce pollution and help more Americans buy clean cars. Local organizations like Moms Clean Air Force Georgia encourage the community to support efforts to reverse climate change.
“Since early intervention is the first step in promoting good health, electrifying our school buses is an excellent way to protect children’s lungs by preventing exposure to in-cabin air pollutants that they would otherwise be exposed to on their way to and from school,” said Dr. Yolanda Whyte.