The propane industry is challenging the notion that electric school buses, touted as healthier for children, are the best option for transportation.
Rebecca Leber reports for Vox.
In short:
- The U.S. is electrifying its school bus fleet, impacting 25 million children currently exposed to harmful emissions from diesel-fueled buses.
- Federal incentives aim to accelerate the transition to electric buses amid health and environmental concerns.
- The propane industry is pushing propane-fueled buses as a cleaner alternative, despite evidence that they still contribute significantly to pollution.
- Drivers and districts face challenges, including the high cost of electric buses and infrastructure upgrades, but are optimistic about future technological improvements.
Key quote:
“I realized that we are at the frontlines of a transition in the transportation sector, and that I could be a part of this process and help improve the health of the students in my district, my own health, that of my community and of the planet.”
— Bus driver Carmen Cortez
The big picture:
Diesel bus emissions are tied to worsened asthma in children; electric buses could help lower health risks. However, propane, as a "cleaner" option, still poses health concerns.
For more: Ashley James joined EHN's Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss reframing how we think about children’s health, and what organizers and regulators can learn from each other.
