The South Whidbey School District has received an electric school bus through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Program Rebate that the district applied to in 2022, urged by student climate and social justice activists.
“This is a great opportunity to reduce the district’s carbon footprint and we are so fortunate to have applied for and received this grant,” wrote Superintendent Josephine Moccia in an email to The South Whidbey Record.
On March 13, community members were invited to tour the bus and cruised around the schools.
Though it looks like a regular yellow school bus, this new addition to the fleet releases zero emissions, reducing the district’s environmental impact while also reducing the students’ exposures to toxic fumes.
In 2022, the United Student Leaders pushed the district to apply for the rebate, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Later that year, student advocates met with Vice President Kamala Harris, who presented the bus at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Audrey Gmerek, a student and member of the United Student Leaders, spoke to Harris about the importance of climate action in schools, while other members met Sen. Patty Murray, Gov. Jay Inslee, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
In an interview, United Student Leaders Mentor Derek Hoshiko highlighted the importance of removing fossil fuels from the transportation system, as transportation is one of the largest contributors to the climate crisis. He also added that young people breathe at a faster rate than adults, which puts their respiratory health at greater risk.
According to Moccia, the vehicle can hold up to 78 students and will serve students in all grades. It is designed to last 13 years.
Currently, Moccia said, it serves one route but the district is testing its charging capacity to be used on the other eight routes. The bus will be charged at a charging station that was installed at the bus barn.
In January 2024, the district was awarded another electric school bus through another EPA rebate. Moccia said it might arrive in Spring 2025 as buses tend to be slow to be delivered. Future additions to the fleet will depend on legislative funding and grants.
United Student Leaders members Carter McKnight, Naomi Atwood, Audrey Gmerek and Desiree Andrews pose with the new electric school bus they advocated for. (Photo provided)
