School Bus Modernization Act is Essential
TL/DR –
The School Bus Modernization Act will be considered in the 2024 Legislative Session, aiming to allocate state funding to help school districts replace old diesel buses with electric ones. The Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) in New Mexico has already won a grant for five electric buses and is pushing for more funding from the state to further this initiative. The author argues that electric buses are beneficial as they reduce exposure to diesel exhaust, are quieter, and save money on maintenance and fuel in the long run, but acknowledges that the initial cost of purchasing them is high.
Opinion on the School Bus Modernization Act
The School Bus Modernization Act, to be considered in the 2024 Legislative Session, aims to provide financial support to school districts wanting to replace aging diesel buses with electric buses. The legislation does not enforce any mandates but provides opportunities and funding.
As a mother and a member of the Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) Board of Education, I am thrilled about this development. LCPS has shown its forward-thinking approach by successfully applying for a federal electric bus grant following an informational session I recommended in 2021. Now, we’re expecting five electric buses by spring. We’ve also passed a resolution requesting funding for electric work vehicles, school buses, and infrastructure.
Our plan is to learn from other districts’ successes in replacing diesel buses with electric ones. For instance, Santa Fe Public Schools report a positive experience. I believe these electric buses will significantly benefit our students by reducing their exposure to diesel exhaust, which studies link to respiratory illnesses.
Beyond the health benefits, electric buses are nearly silent, which will improve students’ and drivers’ experiences. As a school board member, I am aware that our district must manage our resources wisely. We can expect significant savings from electric school buses, with research citing between $4,000 and $11,000 saved per bus annually.
The Need for the School Bus Modernization Act
The initial investment for electric buses is expensive, making the School Bus Modernization Act a necessary piece of legislation. By combining state funds with the Clean School Bus Program’s funds, we can make it economically feasible for all school districts to switch to electric buses. I urge you to join me in contacting your representative to express support for this vital legislation.
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