ST PAUL, Minn. — While school districts across Minnesota continue to struggle with what learning will look like this fall, the state is looking farther down the road to find a better, cleaner way to transport students.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is launching a pilot project to test electric school buses in a handful of districts across the state. The goal is to support cleaner vehicle technology and reduce harmful air pollution, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
MPCA wants to fund at least six new electric school buses across the state, with one or two projects in each of four regions: northern Minnesota, central Minnesota, the seven county Twin Cities metro area, and southern Minnesota. Successful applicants are eligible to receive up to $275,000, or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less. Total project cost includes both the vehicle and charging station. The $3 million project will be funded by proceeds of the settlement with Volkswagen.
Research suggests replacing one diesel bus with an electric model can reduce GHG emissions by at least 29 tons, or the equivalent of removing six passenger vehicles from Minnesota roads. Currently, there is one electric school bus in Minnesota, serving the Lakeville Public School District.
The agency anticipates that the funded buses will begin transporting Minnesota students in the fall of 2022.
“Our children deserve clean air and a better climate,” says MPCA Commissioner Laura Bishop. “This innovative pilot will make cleaner bus technology more accessible for schools, and provide valuable information about how we can continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota. If the pilot is successful, our goal is to make more of these smart investments in the future.”
Districts interested in being a part of the electric bus pilot project or wanting more information can access the MPCA website for details.
