This resolution affirms that the Federal Government should support school district investment in clean school buses to improve children's health and educational outcomes by reducing diesel pollution.
Sheldon Whitehouse
Senator
RI
This resolution affirms that the Federal Government should actively support school districts in investing in clean school buses. It highlights the significant health risks posed by diesel exhaust to children and the positive impact clean alternatives, like electric buses, would have on air quality and educational outcomes. The bill encourages continued federal support for this transition, building on past bipartisan efforts.
Resolution Affirms Federal Support for Clean School Buses: Targeting Diesel Pollution and Childhood Health
This resolution is a straightforward statement affirming that the Federal Government should support school districts that want to invest in clean school buses—think electric or other low-emission alternatives. It doesn’t allocate money or mandate anything, but it lays out a strong case for why this support matters, focusing heavily on public health and air quality.
The Diesel Problem: Why This Matters to Your Kids
If you have a child who rides the bus, or if you live near a school route, this is about the air they breathe. The resolution points out that diesel exhaust from school buses is a major source of local air pollution, specifically citing fine particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. This isn't just about smog; it’s a direct health issue. Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs are still developing, and this pollution is linked to increased rates of asthma, heart disease, and lung disease. The findings note that roughly 3 out of 10 U.S. kids ride a school bus, meaning millions are exposed daily.
Clearing the Air in the Classroom
It’s not just the bus ride itself. The resolution highlights a rarely discussed issue: air pollution from idling diesel buses can seep into school buildings, degrading the air quality inside classrooms. For a teacher or a student trying to focus, poor air quality leads to air pollution-related illnesses, which translate directly into missed school days and hampered education. Switching to clean buses—especially electric ones—would dramatically reduce this local pollution, improving health outcomes and potentially boosting attendance and learning.
What This Means for Future Funding
While this resolution doesn't write a check, it serves as a powerful policy signal. It’s an official declaration that the Federal Government should prioritize helping school districts make this switch. This kind of affirmation is often the groundwork for future legislation that does provide funding, similar to programs included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act mentioned in the bill’s findings. For school districts juggling tight budgets, this federal support is critical to afford the higher upfront costs of clean alternatives. Essentially, this resolution is the policy statement that says, “We agree this is a problem, and we agree the federal government needs to help solve it.”