Summary
- Compton Unified School District and Durham School Services unveiled a new fleet of 25 electric school buses to replace diesel and gas buses
- Electric school buses do not generate toxic emissions, which is better for the health of students and bus drivers
- Air pollution exposure has been linked to asthma, COPD, lung damage, cancer, and lower intelligence
- The new electric buses in Compton will reduce harmful diesel emissions and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as maintenance costs
- Each new electric bus has its own charger and the district plans to bring an additional 25 electric buses into service by 2026.
Article
The Compton Unified School District and Durham School Services have unveiled a new fleet of 25 electric school buses, replacing diesel and gas buses that contribute to harmful air pollution. These electric buses do not generate toxic emissions, providing a healthier environment for student riders and bus drivers. According to sources, nearly one million California children have asthma, with many requiring emergency room visits due to air pollution-related issues. Exposure to pollution has also been linked to chronic respiratory diseases, lung damage, and potential impacts on intelligence. Additionally, emissions from gas and diesel vehicles contribute to climate change.
Compton Unified School District, with around 17,000 students, is located approximately 17 miles south of Los Angeles and serves a population of 90,000-95,000. Durham School Services provided information on the new electric buses, including the types of buses and how they compared to the previously used CNG, diesel, and gasoline vehicles. The benefits of using electric buses over diesel ones include zero tailpipe emissions, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower maintenance costs, and improved academic achievement due to a quieter and cleaner operation. The 25 new electric buses are the district’s first EV initiative, with plans to add an additional 25 by 2026.
The electric buses will recharge at the bus depot where they are stored overnight, with each bus equipped with its own Tellus charger. The decision to switch to electric buses aligns with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s goals of reducing harmful diesel emissions, greenhouse gases, and lowering maintenance and fuel costs. By utilizing electric buses, the district aims to create a cleaner and healthier environment for students, drivers, and the community. Through this initiative, they hope to reduce the impact of air pollution on children’s health and academic success.
The transition to electric buses is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable transportation and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. By investing in cleaner technologies like electric buses, the community can lower air pollution levels, improve public health, and create a more sustainable future. The move towards electric buses demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of students and residents in the Compton area. As the district continues to expand its fleet of electric buses, they contribute to the acceleration of the cleantech revolution and promote a greener, healthier community for all.
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