The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a major investment of $1.7bn in grants to support the purchase of electric and low-emission buses across the country, ABC news reports. The funding will be allocated to transit projects in 46 states and territories, allowing transit agencies, as well as state and local governments, to procure 1,700 U.S.-built buses, nearly half of which will have zero carbon emissions.
The grants are made possible by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill, a key legislative achievement of president Joe Biden's administration. The Democratic president has consistently emphasized the need to transition to electric vehicles, particularly in public transportation and school buses, as part of his commitment to combat climate change.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the significance of the investment as many Americans rely on public transportation.
“Every day, millions of Americans climb aboard over 60,000 buses to get to work, to school, doctor’s appointments, everywhere they need to be. These are unprecedented levels of investment when it comes to putting modern cleaner buses on the road,” Buttigieg stated.
The $1.7bn grant announcement made on June 26, represents the second round of funding for zero- and low-emission buses and supporting infrastructure. In total, the U.S. government has already invested $3.3bn in similar projects. Officials anticipate awarding an additional $5bn in grants over the next three years.
The Biden administration believes that the introduction of new electric and low-emission buses will not only combat climate change but also improve public health. By eliminating diesel exhaust emissions, these buses will contribute to cleaner air quality, positively impacting the well-being of communities across the country. Furthermore, the new buses are expected to be easier to maintain, reducing operational costs for transit agencies in the long run.
The significant demand for funding was evident in the 475 project proposals received by the government, totaling approximately $8.7bn. This overwhelming response underscores the urgent need for investment in sustainable transportation solutions nationwide.
Among the beneficiaries of the grants, the Seattle area will receive $33.5mn to acquire 30 electric battery buses and chargers. Meanwhile, the Washington, D.C., transit authority will utilize $104mn to convert a bus garage into an electric facility and purchase approximately 100 electric battery buses. These examples demonstrate that the funding is not limited to major cities, as Iowa City, Iowa, and the Seneca Nation in Western New York have also been awarded grants.
With this substantial investment, the U.S. government aims to accelerate the adoption of electric and low-emission buses, promoting a greener and more sustainable future for public transportation in the United States.
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