The Cajon Valley Union School District in California has made a move toward zero-emission school buses, hopping to protect children and their parents from breathing in toxic particles while also slowing climate change.
Five new buses were bought using $1 million in Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant funding, along with $1.1 million from the California Air Resources Board and $200,820 from the school district, according to a May 6 EPA news release.
“Pollution from school bus exhaust not only contaminates the air, but can have serious health impacts on residents, especially children,” EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe said in the release. “EPA is proud to recognize Cajon Valley Union School District and its efforts to reduce bus emissions, which will help protect kids and parents from harmful particles and fight climate change."
The Cajon Valley Union School District explained the thinking behind the push toward zero-emission buses.
“The electrification of our buses and installation of charging stations created to benefit our employees, students and community is another great example of making this the best place to work, play and raise a family, today and tomorrow!” said Tamara Otero, school district’s governing board president, in the release.
The new buses replace conventional diesel-fuel vehicles. Diesel fumes are reportedly linked to breathing problems like asthma and can be a precursor to more serious lung and heart problems later in life, the EPA said.
“No kid should be blasted with toxic air pollution on their way to school,” the California Air Resources Board Deputy Executive Officer Craig Segall said in the release. “The California Air Resources Board wants to make sure that kids in all communities can ride safely and in style in modern zero-emission buses.”
