Switching from diesel to electric school buses in the U.S. could significantly reduce health risks and environmental damage, according to a new study.
Erin Blakemore reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- The study quantifies the benefits of replacing diesel buses with electric ones in terms of health and climate, estimating a per-bus savings of $84,200.
- Benefits are highest in metropolitan areas, where pollution impacts more people, with potential savings reaching $247,600 per bus.
- Despite the higher initial cost of electric buses, the long-term benefits, especially for marginalized communities, outweigh these costs.
Key quote:
“In a dense urban setting where old diesel buses still comprise most school bus fleets, the savings incurred from electrifying these buses outweigh the costs of replacement.”
— Kari Nadeau, professor of climate and population studies and environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Why this matters:
Switching to electric school buses can dramatically reduce air pollution, benefiting public health and the environment. The greatest improvements would be seen in urban and low-income areas, where diesel pollution poses the highest risks.
