nick.nigro@atlaspolicy.com

Blackstone Valley Prep in Rhode Island recently unveiled a fleet of 24 all-electric school buses, the largest in the state. Funded by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, these buses aim to provide healthier, more sustainable transportation for students. The nearly $10 million project includes individual charging stations for each bus. Governor Dan McKee praised the initiative as a win for Rhode Island's climate goals. The electric buses are also expected to be cheaper to maintain than traditional diesel buses.

The La Crosse School District has significantly cut costs by incorporating sustainable energy solutions. Three schools currently have solar panels, with a fourth set to go online soon. For example, Northside Elementary's solar array, installed in October 2022, offsets nearly 30% of the building's energy usage and is expected to save the district nearly $500,000 over its 25-year warranty period. Additionally, the district uses geothermal heating and has saved substantial amounts on energy costs. The district is also developing a Climate Action Plan to further increase sustainable energy use and cost savings.

First Student deployed 13 electric school buses for El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools in Missouri, marking the district's transition to a fully electric fleet. This initiative, funded by the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 700,000 pounds annually. The new electric buses will replace older diesel buses, providing a cleaner, quieter, and safer ride for students. Superintendent Brad Steward highlighted the district's commitment to sustainability and innovative technologies. First Student plans to transition 30,000 diesel buses to electric by 2035.

Coming this fall, Menasha School District will be home to the state’s second net-zero school. In planning, the district mapped out a facility that completely eliminates reliance on oil and gas, and instead utilizes geothermal heating systems, heat pumps, and a 1.15 MW solar array consisting of over 2,700 panels. The new clean energy system is projected to save $140,000 annually and slash carbon dioxide emissions by 803 metric tons each year.

In Creighton, Arizona, the school district took a holistic, “triangle” approach to its clean energy projects that will lower energy costs, keep students safer, and help the climate. After hearing that funding opportunities through the IRA could help cover 40 percent of solar costs, Creighton School District jumped on the opportunity and added the installation of solar panels to their list of projects—along with tree plantings and shade structures. In planning, the district made a distinct effort to emphasize environmental stewardship and incorporate climate science into its curriculum, along with the updated energy systems to help protect students from intense heat and save the district money from skyrocketing utility bills.

North Carolina has received $26.7 million in federal funds from the EPA's Clean School Bus Grant Program to purchase 114 electric school buses. This funding will benefit 13 counties, with a significant portion going to Durham and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. The initiative aims to replace older diesel buses, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality for students. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized that this investment supports better-resourced schools and a cleaner environment.

Fleming County Schools in rural Kentucky has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by switching to electric school buses, thanks to federal funding from the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. The savings have been so significant that the district has been able to increase teacher pay.

North Carolina has received $26.7 million in federal funds from the EPA's Clean School Bus Grant Program to purchase 114 electric school buses. This funding will benefit 13 counties, with a significant portion going to Durham and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. The initiative aims to replace older diesel buses, reduce carbon emissions, and improve air quality for students. Governor Roy Cooper emphasized that this investment supports better-resourced schools and a cleaner environment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to 34 Tribal nations and territories. These grants, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aim to cut climate pollution and accelerate the clean energy transition. The projects include installing solar arrays, improving energy efficiency, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure. This marks one of the largest climate investments in Tribal and territorial communities.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $300 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to 34 Tribal nations and territories. These grants, part of President Biden's Investing in America agenda, aim to cut climate pollution and accelerate the clean energy transition. The projects include installing solar arrays, improving energy efficiency, and developing electric vehicle infrastructure. This marks one of the largest climate investments in Tribal and territorial communities.