Roanoke City Public Schools to upgrade fleet with zero-emission buses through EPA grant
Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke City Public Schools is set to undergo a significant transformation in its transportation fleet thanks to a substantial grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The school district has been tentatively selected to receive approximately $16.7 million for the replacement of 50 class 7 fossil fuel-powered school buses with cutting-edge zero-emission electric school buses. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles (CHDV) Grant Program, which aims to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainable transportation solutions across the United States.
A Nationwide Initiative for Cleaner Transportation
The announcement, made on December 11, 2024, highlighted the EPA’s commitment to supporting clean and sustainable transportation alternatives under the Inflation Reduction Act. Roanoke City’s project is one of 70 applications selected across 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one U.S. territory, sharing a total of approximately $735 million in funding. This significant investment is projected to finance around 2,400 new Class 6 and Class 7 zero-emission vehicles, which include not only school buses but also vocational vehicles like battery-electric box trucks, cargo trucks, and utility vehicles.
Enhancing Local and National Environmental Health
The transition to electric school buses in Roanoke City is expected to have a substantial positive impact on local air quality by reducing the emissions from the district’s current fossil fuel-powered buses. This shift is also anticipated to contribute to national efforts in reducing the ecological footprint of heavy-duty vehicles, which are major contributors to atmospheric pollution.
In addition to Roanoke, other Virginia districts such as Fairfax County Public Schools and Henrico County Public Schools will also benefit from the EPA’s grant program, underscoring the agency’s extensive support for environmental health across the Commonwealth.
Supporting Economic and Technological Growth
The CHDV Grant Program is not only an environmental initiative but also an economic one. By funding the replacement of older, emission-heavy vehicles with zero-emission alternatives, the program supports the creation of good-paying jobs. It facilitates the development of clean vehicle infrastructure and the training of workers to manage and maintain new zero-emission technologies. This approach ensures that the transition to cleaner transportation options is both sustainable and beneficial to the local economy.
Roanoke City Public Schools, by adopting zero-emission school buses, aligns itself with modern environmental standards and takes a significant step forward in fostering a sustainable future for its students and the broader community.
