Dear Neighbor,
Fairfax County just received some great news, and I’m excited to share it with you. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just announced a nearly $17 million investment in Fairfax County Public Schools to transition to electric buses.
These funds will allow FCPS to purchase 42 electric buses, improving the air quality for children, staff, and parents who spend time on or around these vehicles. Not only will this advance the cause of environmental justice, providing a safer and more resilient environment for some of our most vulnerable neighbors, but it will create good-paying jobs and boost our economy as well.
FCPS was selected to receive these funds through the EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition. These awards were made available to school systems through once-in-a-generation investments Congressional Democrats and the Biden Administration have made in our infrastructure, our environment, and our communities.
This is a gamechanger for Fairfax County, home to one of the largest school districts in the country. The Clean School Bus Program is one of the most valuable investments we can make in our children’s health. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other health conditions that can take kids out of school.
Transportation is one of the largest contributing factors to the climate crisis, creating outsized amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. These emissions and their harmful effects are disproportionately inflicted on communities of color, meaning phasing out these gas-powered buses can have a massive impact on the health of neighborhoods which have been systemically deprived of funding and care.
This decision by the EPA was not made overnight; they worked closely with key stakeholders in our community, from the School Board to utilities, to ensure we could deploy this program successfully. This opportunity requires not only the purchase of these buses, but commitments to build and sustain the necessary infrastructure, including charging stations.
For more information on the Clean School Bus Program and this award process, I encourage you to consult the EPA’s website. And as always, if you or a loved one needs assistance with any federal agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at (703) 256-3071.