CBS 21 reports on a press conference held at the Pennsylvania State Capitol where state legislators and clean energy advocates came together to discuss the benefits of electric school buses and push for the passing of House Bill 1542, which would establish a statewide electric school bus grant program. The article quotes United's Nick Bibby who spoke to the cost savings for school districts that utilize electric buses.
According to the Pennsylvania State Assembly, House Bill 1542 establishes the Electric School Bus Grant Program and the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund; providing for duties of the Department of Education; and making an appropriation.
Nick Bibby with Advanced Energy United said the proposed bill could lower costs for the districts that us electric school buses.
'Electric school buses have reduced fuel and maintenance costs. Those buses can save school districts $6,000 per year, per bus, and over $100,000 over the buses' lifetime," said Bibby.
The program will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and save money for school districts and will replace diesel powered school buses with cleaner, zero emission alternatives.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, diesel exhaust fumes that can aggravate bronchitis, asthma and can also cause lung damage. Because the respiratory systems of children are still in development, the exhaust is even more of a health threat than it is for adults.
"You can't argue that it affects their overall education and overall health. We want to see those students driving on clean and quiet electric school buses. We don't want Pennsylvania to be left behind," said Max Turner with Electrification Coalition.
In April, the Steelton Highspire School District became the first district in Pennsylvania to have a fleet of all-electric buses. They received a $2.7 million dollar grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Funded by the EPA, the buses are known to be quiet, use regenerative braking, and have an eight-year battery warranty.
Read the full article here.