In a move towards cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, nine school districts in Georgia are set to receive substantial funding to replace diesel and gas-powered school buses with electric and alternative fuel vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the allocation of $900 million as part of a five-year, $5 billion initiative aimed at transitioning the nation’s school bus fleet to cleaner options.
Among the recipients are Clayton, Douglas, and Hall counties, along with Atkinson, Baldwin, Brooks, Jeff Davis, Madison, and Oglethorpe county school districts. The majority of these districts are located in rural areas of the state.
The funding will primarily be used to replace existing diesel- or gasoline-powered buses with electric or propane alternatives. Diesel and gasoline combustion release harmful emissions, impacting air quality and posing health risks, especially to children. By transitioning to cleaner fuel options, the initiative aims to mitigate these environmental and health concerns.
The Clayton County School District stands out as the largest beneficiary in Georgia, receiving $8.7 million in this latest round of funding. Additional support from the school board and Georgia Power will facilitate the purchase of electric buses and charging infrastructure. Similarly, Baldwin County Schools, with $2 million in funding, plans to introduce electric buses for the first time, aiming to achieve a mixed fleet of cleaner vehicles.
The federal push for electrification also presents opportunities for Georgia-based companies like Blue Bird, a leading manufacturer of school buses. Blue Bird, headquartered in Fort Valley, specializes in electric and propane-powered models and has witnessed a surge in demand for alternative-powered buses in recent years. The company’s Electric Vehicle Build-up Center in Fort Valley reflects its commitment to meeting the growing demand for electric buses nationwide.