A group of transportation, environment, and health experts came together in a virtual meeting to discuss the opportunities in Michigan for clean school buses.
The eight different experts said the Environmental Protection Agency is awarding grants to school districts to cover the cost of electric school buses.
They said electric buses cost around $375,000. A charging stations cost as much as $20,000.
Jane McCurry, executive director of Clean Fuels Michigan, said with Congress debating the 2023 budget, now is the time to push for funding for clean mobility.
“We think that now it's just it's a really important time in the clean school bus industry where we have all of these opportunities that Michigan can harness is to put more clean school buses on the road.”
The EPA’s grant application deadline is August 19th.
Katrina Morris, Executive Director for the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation, said the associations have sent emails out to superintendents across the state. They hope they will relay the message out to their transportation departments to apply for the grant.
However, Experts say families should encourage their school district to apply early in the summer break.
Mac Dashney, principal associate with the Pupil Transportation & Management Institute, said clean buses are needed, even in underserved areas.
“Health does not know economic status. And that's the thing we have to make sure legislators and everybody understands.”
