WHAT: Moms Clean Air Force is hosting a back-to-school press conference to celebrate the 20 electric school buses that were awarded to the Albuquerque Public Schools thanks to funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program. Speakers, which include Moms Clean Air Force’s New Mexico Field Organizer Giovanna Rossi, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, and Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Gabrielle Blakey, will tout the benefits of replacing dirty diesel buses with electric models. They will also highlight the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as we near IRA’s two-year anniversary.
Moms Clean Air Force’s New Mexico Field Organizer Giovanna Rossi says: “We are thrilled to celebrate the commitment of 20 new electric school buses for Albuquerque Public Schools, a crucial step towards protecting our children’s health and reducing harmful emissions. As a mother, knowing that children and neighborhoods across Albuquerque will experience less tailpipe pollution as these buses travel to and from school helps me breathe easier. This investment in electric school buses marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to clean energy and environmental justice.”
U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich says: “This investment is about making sure our kids aren’t breathing in dangerous diesel fumes on their way to and from school. It means less cases of children developing asthma and other serious breathing conditions,” said Heinrich. “I was proud to secure $6.9 million in Infrastructure Law funding to help Albuquerque Public Schools purchase 20 new electric school buses. This will help us fight climate change and unlock a healthier future for New Mexico’s children.”
Albuquerque Public School Superintendent Gabriella Blakey says: “We’re incredibly grateful to Sen. Heinrich and the rest of the New Mexico congressional delegation for their role in securing $6.9 million for Albuquerque Public Schools through the EPA Clean School Bus Program, which was established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” said APS Superintendent Dr. Gabriella Blakey. “The funding—allocated for the purchase of 20 electric buses—will allow us to begin modernizing our bus fleet, which will benefit the health of our workers, community, and the environment.”
WHO:
- Giovanna Rossi, New Mexico Field Organizer, Moms Clean Air Force
- Martin Heinrich, United States Senator
- Dr. Gabriella Blakey, Superintendent, Albuquerque Public Schools
WHEN: Tuesday, August 13 at 1:15 PM MT
WHERE: Attend in-person at Los Ranchos Elementary School (7609 4th St NW Albuquerque, NM 87107) or watch the livestream here.