COLORADO -  School districts can save children's health by switching to electric school buses.

The SB 193, an air quality bill has been signed by Jared Polis,

Colorado Governor. The bill creates a $65 million grant program for electric school buses in the state.

A number of states and cities have committed to buying electric school buses, with thousands planned nationwide. Some places have targeted a move to 100% electric school buses in the coming years. According to Electrek, Colorado hasn't pledged a timeline for full electrification of school buses yet, but this grant should encourage many districts to start making progress.

Pollution from fossil fuel vehicles causes numerous health problems throughout the population, especially in children. They are exposed to this pollution from school buses as they ride in, board, and exit them as the buses drive through their communities. School districts can save children's health and also save money on fuel and maintenance by switching to electric school buses, says Electrek.

The Electrification Coalition, which lauded Colorado's move, has created the "Dashboard for Rapid Vehicle Electrification" or "DRVE" tool that districts can use to analyze the savings available from electrification.

This grant fund doesn't just target purchases of new electric school buses, but also conversion of old diesel buses to electric if possible, and retiring of diesel buses early when feasible.

Colorado's grant program gives priority to underserved school districts and disproportionately impacted communities in recognition of the fact that pollution typically harms these communities the most.

Source: Electrek