SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — South Carolina is taking steps toward helping the environment and keeping kids healthy by incorporating electric school buses.
The state is getting almost $66 million through funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to upgrade and electrify school buses.
“Mark my words… zero-emission school buses will be the American standard and all we have to do is hit the accelerator,” said EPA Administrator, Michael S. Regan.
There’s a push for electric school buses and a cleaner environment. Thanks to funding by the EPA districts in the Carolinas can make these efforts a reality.
“It’s one thing to be able to get where you are going on time, it is one thing to get there safe, and it’s another thing to have a healthy ride,” said South Carolina, District 6, Congressman James Clyburn.
South Carolina is receiving $65.9 million to get 168 clean buses.
“It will also save school districts money, create good paying jobs, build a cleaner and stronger economy, and help our country address the threats of climate change,” said Regan.
State leaders said reducing the health risks kids currently deal with is a priority.
“The diesel exhaust from these buses can cause lung damage, aggravate asthma, and exacerbate other health issues,” said Regan.
In January, North Carolina received funding from the EPA to get 114 electric buses, nearly 30 of which will go to CMS.
The district got to check out one of the buses earlier this month.
"One thing that we noticed right off the bat is it's really much more quiet than a traditional bus” said CMS Operations Specialist, Tom Miner. "It's got a really good feel to it. The drive is really smooth. Also, surprisingly there were no tailpipe like you would see with a traditional bus. So, the environmental factor in the environmental piece is huge.”
The first set of 20 electric buses is expected to roll into Orangeburg County, South Carolina in the coming months.
Meanwhile, CMS expects its 27 electric buses to be ready for the 2025-2026 school year.
The CMS district is already making plans to apply for funding for an additional 25 electric buses. Plus, when it comes to alternatives to fuel CMS has over 100 propane-powered buses out of approximately 850 buses.