BOSTON (AP) – Last year it is attempting to reduce pollution from the fleet of diesel burning school buses, an Oklahoma school district.
Shawnee Public Schools thought nearly $1.5 million would be refunded on four buses, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Oklahoma City, a county that predominantly voted for President Donald Trump. Environmental Protection Agency program. The agency had pledged to do that under President Joe Biden with money from the massive infrastructure law passed in Congress last year.
The district requested funds in November but was said to be delayed due to technical issues. However, after Trump took office, they call the EPA and send regular emails without answering. They fear that they will never be refunded.
“Our district has made this investment in good faith, hoping that the promised rebates will be provided in a timely manner,” said John Wills, district’s Transport Director. “The bus is here, they serve, they are benefiting our students and our community, but the lack of refunds has created unnecessary financial burdens.”
Districts across the country are waiting for $1 billion
Shawnee isn’t alone. More than 500 districts across the country are waiting around $1 billion from the EPA to cover more than 3,400 electric buses.
It causes panic and confusion in the district, and you have to find other ways to cover costs, delay or cancel your purchase. They are also colliding with companies that build buses, sell them, and oversee transport in the district. The National School Transport Association, which represents private school bus operators, called Freeze “very destructive.”
The EPA does not explain why the funds are on hold or are released. A spokesperson said the EPA had not commented on the pending lawsuit. Several lawsuits require the release of federal funds frozen by countless federal agencies, including the EPA.
Senator Ed Markey, D-Mass, one of Senators Write to EPA administrator Lee Zeldin The demanding answer said the funding allows districts to “invest in transportation that reduces air pollution and provides health benefits to children across the country.” Without the money, managers may have to make tough financial decisions. “And the kids are going to pay the price,” he said.
The promotion of electric buses has long been bipartisan support, claiming that many transitions will help combat climate change, benefit children’s health and save district money in the long term.
More 25 million students age and take diesel fuel buses to schools every day in the US. – With black, Latino, low-income students In urban areas, you are more likely to rely on them.
Exhausts from these dirty buses expose them, their parents and school staff Harmful contaminants such as fine particles and nitrogen dioxide can lead to health problems such as asthma and heart disease. Dr. Stephanie Robinski Desil, chief of the Pediatric Lung Division at Columbia University Medical Center, said cognitive performance could also be impacted. Young bodies still developing are particularly vulnerable.
Advocates say electric buses save money
Electric school buses are 2-3 times more expensive in advance, but can save your district’s money with fuel and maintenance costs. WRI estimates a $100,000 savings over the lifespan of the bus.
“This is a really useful savings that will allow the district to return to the classroom,” Robov said. “And that’s another reason why the district wants to get electricity out.”
Money is part of the Clean School Bus Program, which was part of Biden Infrastructure Act It also provided $500 million over five years to help the district replace contaminated school buses with cleaner electric buses.
So far, the program has gone through three rounds. Almost $1 billion was issued in the first round of rebate funds In 400 schools for 2,500 buses;The second round, issued in the form of subsidies, also provided funding for a total of nearly $1 billion. 2,700 school buses in 275 districts.
The long list of delays has hit districts of all sizes, both rural and urban.
Charlotte Mecklenburg schools in Charlotte, North Carolina, Huntsville, Alabama school district, and Baltimore County public schools all have contracts with outside businesses to operate transit operations, so they are waiting for nearly $26 million to buy the 75 electric bus.
Prince George County Public Schools, a 132,000 student district outside of Washington, DC, was expecting $5 million for nine electric buses to add to the current 21. When EPA funding is pending, the district is looking to Maryland, which has similar grant programs, and hopes to cover costs.
In New Hampshire, the Delhi Co-op School District was not so lucky. The 4,300 student district is relying on $8.1 million in EPA funding to cover 25 electric buses.
“That’s a very disappointing,” said Clifton Dancey, the district’s transportation coordinator. “The current administration has turned a blind eye to climate change and environmental practices and is dealing with the carbon fuel industry. I can’t step back from it. It’s backwards.”
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St. John reported from Detroit.
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Read more about the Associated Press Climate Report http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment.
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