Michigan schools will receive 45 electric school buses
School Districts in Detroit, Lansing, and Pontiac to Receive $5.9 Million Each for Clean-Powered School Buses
Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Clean School Bus Program grants, school districts in Detroit, Lansing, and Pontiac will be receiving $5.9 million each to purchase 15 clean-powered school buses. This funding will not only benefit these districts but will also extend to other Michigan public school systems through third-party multistate grantees.
Expanding the Reach of Clean-Powered Buses
With the help of First Student Inc. and Highland CSB 1, electric buses will be acquired for five additional Michigan public school systems. This includes 10 buses in Flint, five in Redford Union No. 1 near Detroit, and two each in Mason County, Brimley, and the West Shore Educational Service District in Ludington.
“These EPA Clean School Bus Program grants will help Michigan schools buy and use new, clean school buses to take kids to school safely, protect clean air in and around our schools, and power the future of our mobility industry,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Benefits of Clean School Buses
The purchase of electric buses will not only ensure safer transportation for students but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Governor Whitmer highlights that these buses are more cost-effective to fuel and maintain, allowing schools to allocate transportation budgets towards educational resources and reducing class sizes.
Michigan Chief Infrastructure Officer Zachary Kolodin emphasizes the positive impact of electric buses, stating that a single electric bus can eliminate 1,690 tons of CO2 over its lifespan, equivalent to taking 27 cars off the road. This aligns with Michigan’s climate goals and supports the state’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Accelerating Michigan’s Transition to Clean School Buses
Michigan’s transition to clean school buses has been accelerated through grant programs and investments. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Director Phil Roos notes that before the new infrastructure law, Michigan only had 17 electric school buses. However, with these initiatives, the state is making significant progress in protecting children from harmful air pollution and advancing its climate goals.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of Michigan’s greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing emissions from school buses, Michigan can work towards its MI Healthy Climate Plan goal of becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2050. With nearly 17,000 school buses transporting over 800,000 students each year, transitioning to clean-energy buses is crucial for achieving this goal.
Michigan’s commitment to clean-energy buses is evident in its budget allocation. The record $82 billion budget for 2024 includes $125 million to support school systems in transitioning to clean-energy buses.
How can investing in clean-powered school buses lead to cost savings for school districts and redirect funds to other educational programs or infrastructure improvements
Transition to a more sustainable transportation system,” said Michael S. Regan, the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Investing in clean-powered school buses not only reduces children’s exposure to harmful emissions but also stimulates economic growth by creating jobs in the clean energy sector.”
The Importance of Clean-Powered School Buses
Traditional diesel-powered school buses emit harmful pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxide, which have been linked to respiratory illnesses and other health problems in children. By transitioning to clean-powered school buses, school districts can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and improve air quality in their communities.
The clean-powered school buses that will be purchased with the grant funds are expected to run on electric or alternative fuels such as propane. These buses produce zero or reduced emissions compared to their diesel counterparts, making them a more environmentally friendly transportation option.
In addition to the environmental benefits, clean-powered school buses can also contribute to cost savings for school districts. Electric buses, for example, have lower operating and maintenance costs than diesel buses, resulting in long-term savings. The savings can then be redirected to other educational programs or infrastructure improvements.
Equity and Access to Clean Transportation
This funding announcement is particularly significant for the school districts in Detroit, Lansing, and Pontiac, as these communities have historically faced environmental justice concerns. Low-income neighborhoods and communities of color often bear the brunt of pollution from transportation and industrial sources.
By prioritizing these communities for the clean-powered school bus grants, the federal government is taking a step towards addressing the unequal distribution of environmental burdens and ensuring that all children have access to a healthy and sustainable school environment.
Collaboration and Future Initiatives
The Clean School Bus Program grants not only benefit individual school districts but also encourage collaboration among various stakeholders. School districts will work with the EPA, state agencies, and other partners to plan and implement their clean-powered bus programs.
These grants also serve as a catalyst for future initiatives aimed at reducing emissions in the transportation sector. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of clean-powered school buses, this program can inspire broader adoption of clean energy technologies in the transportation industry.
As the world looks to address climate change and transition to a more sustainable future, investments in clean transportation, particularly in the education sector, become vital. The grants awarded to school districts in Detroit, Lansing, and Pontiac represent a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier future for Michigan’s students and communities.
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