The Ferguson-Florissant and Ritenour School Districts have received grants to purchase electric buses and charging stations through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program.
The $6.3 million EPA grant to Ferguson-Florissant will cover the cost of replacing 16 diesel buses with new electric buses and the charging stations needed to charge and maintain the vehicles.
Ritenour will use its $9.5 million in funds to purchase 24 clean school buses.
“This addresses critical health concerns related to air pollution, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by diesel emissions, especially communities of color,” said Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Dr. Joseph Davis.
“By phasing out older diesel buses, we are taking steps to improve air quality, reducing emissions, improving air quality, and minimizing environmental impacts.”
Terry O’Neil, assistant superintendent of the district’s maintenance, operations, and transportation, said the district expects significant savings in operational and maintenance costs.
“These new buses not only represent a significant step towards more eco-friendly transportation, but the added savings with this transition allows the district to reallocate resources back into the classroom, enriching the educational experience for our students and teachers,” Davis said.
EPA will 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.
