Would you support the Westport School District going electric? The EPA is offering $5 billion dollars in funding rebates to school districts for the replacement of diesel buses with zero-emissions or electric school buses – the application deadline is August 19. Learn more about the grant here.

Why should we transition to electric buses?

1. PROTECT OUR CHILDREN: The exhaust from diesel buses negatively impact the air quality and are harmful to our community. Diesel buses also produce noise levels of 85 decibels – the EPA recommends avoiding anything higher than 80 decibels. Transitioning to electric vehicles are safer for our students and our community.
2. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: Electric buses provide cleaner transportation by reducing both harmful air and noise pollution.
3. LOWER COSTS: Electric buses result in long-term cost savings for the district; From a fuel standpoint, electricity is cheaper than diesel and electric engines also require less maintenance. By taking advantage of the EPA grants, Westport can also significantly offset the cost of this capital investment.
4. SHOW OUR COMMITMENT: By taking advantage of this opportunity, Westport would be one of the first districts to meet the state’s Clean Transportation Bill (SB4). The law outlines the goal of a state-wide electric bus fleet by 2035.Transitioning to electric buses signifies Westport’s commitment to becoming a Net Zero community by 2050. Our district’s leadership and commitment to progress will help encourage other districts to make the change!

There are many myths about electric vehicles stemming from the fossil fuel industry. Check out the EPA website dedicated to providing accurate information about the benefits of electric vehicles. You can also learn more about electric vehicles on our website.

We hope to encourage the Westport School District to apply for the 2022 EPA Clean School Bus Rebate to transition Westport’s diesel-guzzling buses into a fleet of electric buses! You can help by contacting your Representative Town Member, BOE members, and the school superintendent to let them know you support transitioning to EV buses and applying for the EPA grant.