In a significant stride toward sustainability, Ferguson-Florissant School District is one of two Missouri school districts selected to receive a grant to purchase electric buses and charging stations through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program.
Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis said transitioning some of the fleet to electric buses aligns with the district's commitment to responsible stewardship of district resources. The EPA grant will cover the cost of replacing 16 diesel buses in the fleet with new electric buses and the charging stations needed to charge and maintain the vehicles.
“This addresses critical health concerns related to air pollution, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by diesel emissions, especially communities of color,” shared Davis. “By phasing out older diesel buses, we are taking proactive steps to improve air quality, reducing emissions, and minimizing environmental impacts.”
The grant is part of the EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is providing $5 billion over five years for zero-emission (electric) and low-emission (propane and compressed natural gas - CNG) school buses nationwide.
Terry O’Neil, assistant superintendent of the district's maintenance, operations, and transportation, highlighted that the benefits extend beyond environmental advantages. The district expects significant savings in operational and maintenance costs.
This initiative is part of a national effort, with EPA grants set to assist school districts in purchasing over 2,700 clean school buses across 37 states, impacting 280 school districts. It underscores a commitment to a greener and healthier future for school communities nationwide.
“We are proud to embrace the efficient and cost-saving benefits of electric buses,” Davis said. “These new buses not only represent a significant step towards more eco-friendly transportation, but the added savings from this transition will allow the district to reallocate resources back into the classroom, enriching the educational experience for our students and teachers.”
The arrival of the new buses is expected either in late 2024 or at the start of 2025.
