Electric School Buses

By Jessie Pennington

In the wake of a possible climate change “doomsday,” the Biden administration is looking for new ways to cut emissions and prioritize clean energy. The electrification of school buses is one of those ways, and Montgomery County Public Schools is trying to lead the change.

Diesel engines account for about a quarter of the U.S. transportation sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, and MCPS diesel buses use approximately 17,000 gallons of diesel fuel per day. According to the MCPS website, replacing diesel buses with electric ones will bring MCPS closer to its pledge of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% in 2027 and by 100% in 2035. A country-wide green bus initiative would generate a vast impact not only for school bus riders, but also for all members of the participating communities.

There are, however, some concerns about the project's cost. As reported in the Washington Post, “the upfront cost of electric school buses can be up to four times more expensive than their rumbling combustion-powered forebears” though “advocates and climate-friendly policymakers are trying to find ways to make up the difference.” Critics of the project argue that the money would be better spent on classrooms, taxes, and teacher salaries.

Proponents point out though, that diesel buses are negatively affecting student health. A study from the Natural Resources Defense Council estimated that between 23 and 46 out of every million children riding school buses are at risk of developing cancer from the exhaust they inhale.

Highland Electric Fleets is currently partnering with MCPS to upgrade 326 school buses to electric by 2025, making it the leader in bus electrification across the country. In October of this year, MCPS and Highland held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Walter Johnson High School where superintendent Monifa B. McKnight spoke. “Moving to an electrified school bus fleet makes sense and is the future of transportation for all of us,” McKnight said, emphasizing her support for the project. “The school bus is the first and last contact with our students each day, and a new, modern school bus reflects our commitment to an excellent experience for students.”

As buses start to become electric in Maryland counties, eyes are on the Biden administration and state governments to see how far this project will expand, budget willing.