We’re the Belmont High School Climate Action Club, and we would like to see electric school buses implemented into our school district’s transportation system.
Electric buses are more fuel-efficient than diesel buses and have fewer moving parts, potentially decreasing fuel and maintenance costs. The surrounding communities will experience benefits from less noise pollution, better air quality, and zero harmful tailpipe emissions. Our neighbor Arlington uses electric school buses, while we have nothing to show for our effort to combat climate change. There are different programs we can apply to for grants, but we need support from the town before applying. The Environment Protection Agency has a Clean School Bus Program that has benefitted 17 school districts in Massachusetts.
Additionally, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center offers up to $2 million in grants. We have to take action soon to apply for these grants that would help to fund the buses; the application deadline for CEC FY25 EmPower Massachusetts Implementation is 2/27/2025.
In order to make significant progress for electric buses, more support is necessary. If you are interested, please spread the word to others in the town. The best way to actively support the project is by showing up to Town Meetings on Monday nights and advocating for the environmental health of our town.
Elle Gordon and Hannah Jacoby, Belmont High School (Climate Action Club)