A U.S. House subcommittee report has raised concerns about the implementation and execution of the Clean School Bus Program, a Biden-Harris administration initiative aimed at transitioning diesel school buses to electric alternatives. The program, launched in 2021 with $5 billion in funding for fiscal years 2022-2026, seeks to reduce environmental impacts by replacing diesel buses with electric models.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations conducted a survey of 33 school districts participating in the program. The report outlined concerns about the high costs of electric buses, potential risks of fraud, and issues with program execution. It was noted that electric buses cost significantly more than diesel buses, with prices ranging from $250,000 to $440,000 for electric models compared to $50,000 to $100,000 for diesel versions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $900 million in funding in 2023 to assist 530 school districts in purchasing over 3,400 buses, 92% of which are electric. According to the report, as of July 2024, 12,164 electric school buses were in various stages of use across the U.S.
The findings highlight the challenges of transitioning school transportation to electric vehicles, including financial and logistical hurdles.