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Fort Worth ISD is set to transition its school bus fleet from diesel to electric buses, thanks to over $6.1 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program.
During a press conference on June 20, the EPA announced Fort Worth ISD as one of several Texas school districts receiving funding in the program’s second round. This funding will enable the district to acquire 15 electric school buses.
“These school buses represent an important step toward improving air quality for our young people,” said Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33), a former Fort Worth ISD student.
Veasey supported and voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, which allocates funding for EPA grants and rebates. Over five years, the Clean School Bus Program will distribute $5 billion to replace current school buses with zero-emission and clean alternatives.
“The emissions from these buses can contribute to air quality issues and have negative impacts on children’s health,” noted EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Replacing diesel buses with cleaner alternatives will enhance air quality around schools, benefiting children, bus drivers, staff, parents, and neighbors.”
Everman ISD became the first Texas district to introduce electric buses in 2020, and Nance encouraged other Texas districts to apply for future rounds of funding. Veasey expressed hope that more districts in Texas will follow suit, positioning the state as a leader in adopting this technology.
“I firmly believe that Texas will lead the way, as we do in many other areas,” Veasey remarked. “With the deployment of these cleaner technologies, Texas will demonstrate the right approach to the rest of the country.”
Fort Worth ISD informed NBC 5 that the electric buses will not be available at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, but they may be introduced later in the academic year. A specific delivery date has not been set at this time.