The study quantifies the benefits of replacing diesel buses with electric ones in terms of health and climate, estimating a per-bus savings of $84,200.
Benefits are highest in metropolitan areas, where pollution impacts more people, with potential savings reaching $247,600 per bus.
Despite the higher initial cost of electric buses, the long-term benefits, especially for marginalized communities, outweigh these costs.
Key quote:
“In a dense urban setting where old diesel buses still comprise most school bus fleets, the savings incurred from electrifying these buses outweigh the costs of replacement.”
— Kari Nadeau, professor of climate and population studies and environmental health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Environmentalists hail a new law as a major step toward reducing harmful emissions in historically underserved communities. But some worry that a caveat in the legislation could delay the mandate.
