South Coast AQMD Invests $78 Million to Replace Polluting School Buses with Zero-Emission Models

Major Investment in Clean Air Initiatives

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) has taken a groundbreaking step by approving an impressive $78.2 million to replace a total of 286 old, high-emission school buses. This initiative not only aims to improve air quality but also focuses on enhancing the health of students across 35 public school districts in California, particularly affecting areas with severe pollution issues.

Project Overview

Among the 286 new zero-emission buses, 124 will serve Los Angeles County, 50 will be stationed in Orange County, 60 in Riverside County, and 52 in San Bernardino County. This strategic distribution ensures that a large number of students in the most impacted regions benefit from cleaner transport options. By implementing these electric vehicles, the project is projected to eliminate approximately 46.3 tons of smog-producing nitrogen oxides and 3.5 tons of harmful particulate matter from the atmosphere each year. This move is vital for the wellbeing of children, as it directly correlates with improved air quality in communities that need it the most.

Focus on Overburdened Communities

One of the most remarkable aspects of this initiative is its commitment to social equity. More than 87% of the new buses will be allocated to overburdened communities, ensuring that children in the areas most affected by air pollution have access to cleaner transport. This not only demonstrates a commitment to health equity but also highlights the importance of prioritizing vulnerable populations in environmental policy decisions.

Funding Sources and Historical Context

The hefty funding for this significant shift towards zero-emission transportation comes from various clean air programs, including the Carl Moyer Program and the CARE4Kids Program, alongside other state and local sources. Such funding strategies capitalize on collaborative efforts at state, federal, and local levels to hasten the transition to cleaner transportation practices throughout Southern California.

Since the inception of the Lower-Emission School Bus Program in 2001, South Coast AQMD has made substantial investments, awarding nearly $372 million towards replacing or retrofitting diesel-powered school buses. To date, over 1,900 old diesel buses have been replaced with alternative-fuel or zero-emission models, alongside retrofitting 3,400 buses with particulate matter traps. These efforts have played a crucial role in ensuring that children travel on some of the cleanest school buses in the nation, a remarkable achievement linking environmental policy with public health improvement.

Conclusion

The South Coast AQMD's latest investment marks a promising advance in reducing pollution from school transport in Southern California. By focusing on clean, zero-emission buses, the initiative represents a substantial commitment to enhancing air quality for future generations. The expected delivery and deployment of these new vehicles will commence in mid-2026, following the necessary procurement and infrastructure setup. This initiative not only aims to equip school districts with cleaner buses but also serves as a model for other regions aiming to address air quality and public health challenges collaboratively.

For more information on air quality initiatives and updates, visit the South Coast AQMD's official website or follow their social media channels.