California now has $91 million extra for its school districts, courtesy of a rebate from the Biden administration.
The money went to 47 California school districts so they can purchase up to 380 clean air buses. The new electric or low-emission school buses are more sustainable in the long run, emitting less carbon dioxide and therefore helping prevent further climate change.
"For far too long, diesel buses have been a major source of pollution, negatively impacting both our environment and the health of our children," Representative Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, said in a statement. "Today, I am proud to support the EPA in announcing that several schools in Los Angeles will receive funding from the Clean School Bus Rebate Program to transition to cleaner, electric buses.
"The Clean School Bus Program not only supports our fight against climate change but also provides a healthier, safer ride to school for our kids."
The buses could lead to considerable improvements in children's health, as kids face pollution and poor air quality in the state, but there are larger economic benefits for the schools.
"The aim may be to improve student's health, but it could be a financial win for school systems, as well," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. "Operating and maintaining these buses could prove more affordable to the bottom line for some school districts that have to count every penny when providing services for their students."
The new clean air buses will also allow the school districts to stop using many of their older, diesel-based buses that create larger environmental and health concerns.
"EPA is proud to take another step in advancing the rollout of electric school buses in California, helping create a future where our children can breathe cleaner air," Martha Guzman, EPA regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest Region, said in a statement.
"I've seen firsthand the advantages of these electric buses, with the absence of noxious diesel emissions benefiting students, school staff, and neighboring communities. Thanks to these investments, more electric school buses will be on the road in school districts across California."
The EPA has taken many steps toward more clean air school buses in recent years. In 2023, the agency said it would use $500 million to help fund the rebates nationwide. Since then, many states and school districts have applied for the funding.
The EPA saw so much interest, it decided to roughly double the money available. As a result, applications are still being reviewed, and more funding could be available moving forward. The initial application window lasted from September 2023 to February 2024, and applicants were updated at the end of May.
Beene said the switch to electric could also potentially open the door for more students to consider electric vehicles once they get to driving age.
"Seeing their school undergo a sweeping change to assist both the planet and the pocketbooks of an entity could get them long term to consider doing the same," Beene said.
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