The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a major investment in the future of Texas students' transportation, earmarking nearly $1 billion to electrify the nation's school buses. Two Central Texas school districts have won a significant portion of these funds to jump-start their transitions to a greener ride. Austin Independent School District (AISD) is set to receive $6.25 million for 25 new electric buses while Del Valle ISD is also getting support for 20 electric buses, as per the EPA and a statement by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett.
In a move that's expected to both benefit the young generations and serve the environment, AISD is poised to be the trendsetter in the state, with Doggett revealing that they are the first district in Texas to vow to completely swap out their diesel-fueled fleet for cleaner energy alternatives. "The first new AISD electrics will be available this month," Doggett said, as cited in KXAN news. He elaborated on the benefits, stating, "This means better air quality on the bus, at school, and in nearby neighborhoods — reducing diesel exhaust that’s especially bad for growing young lungs and brains."
Beyond AISD and Del Valle ISD, the EPA's cash infusion has reached into various parts of the Lone Star State. Among the recipients are Fort Worth and San Antonio ISDs, which will share in the purchase of 165 electric buses across 18 school districts, impacting over 7 million students in 37 states, according to Environment America.
Advocates for green transportation are to surely hail this move as a giant leap forward. Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas, praised the EPA's initiative: "Electric school buses protect students’ health, reduce emissions that are fueling the climate crisis, and benefit school districts by saving money in fuel and maintenance costs." Metzger stressed the transformative nature of the funding: "This new round of federal funding is a chance for school districts to better serve their students and their communities – and to become more environmentally sustainable." His comments underscore the readiness of educational institutions to make the switch to electric—only previously held back by the need for resources, as evidenced by the vigor of grant applications made by these districts.
