BY SEN. WILLIAM P. SOULES
District 37
Doña Ana County
Can you imagine anything more iconic to students and education than a school bus? School buses evoke fond memories, but we all distinctly remember the smell. Even back in the day, we knew the exhaust was bad for our lungs.
Many things have changed since we and our parents were kids, and we have changed, too. TVs are no longer black-and-white, most of us have a cell phone rather than a landline, and many people bank online. So, it seems reasonable that we should take a good look at school buses and see if it’s finally time for an upgrade.
Electric buses aren’t new or novel. In the U.S., nearly 5,000 electric school buses serve approximately 254,000 students in 49 states, plus territories and seven tribal schools. As of Oct. 1, 2024, there are 12,241 electric school commitments across the country, which means funding has been awarded for purchase, there is a formal purchase agreement with a dealer or manufacturer, one or more have been delivered to school districts or fleet operators, or they are in operation. Electric school buses are well-tested and reliable forms of transportation for kids.
Diesel buses emit a complex mixture of hazardous particles, gases, and vapors. No one—especially kids—should breathe in the exhaust. Research by government agencies has determined that diesel exhaust is a probable human carcinogen. Recent studies have also indicated a link between lung diseases, such as asthma, and exposure to emissions from diesel engines, with children being particularly vulnerable to these effects.
No one denies that an electric school bus costs more upfront, and most schools lack sufficient funds. When provided with support to buy an electric school bus, many schools are eager to jump at the opportunity. Even rural districts like Dulce and Lake Arthur, New Mexico have some!
Why?
Electric school buses are nearly silent. Drivers can hear what is happening on the bus, making the ride safer and quieter. School bus operators and mechanics also love them because there are no gears to worry about, and power delivery is smooth with an instant response.
HB 32 allows each school district to decide if an electric school bus would work for them. This helps level the playing field for districts without huge reserves. There is no mandate or requirement. The funding for the school buses comes from an entirely different part of the budget—separate from education—so there is no stifling of funds otherwise designated for schools.
Electric school buses also generate revenue. School districts can sell stored energy as backup power to the grid, bringing in $200,000 over the lifetime of each bus!
Just because something worked in the past doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for the future. Schools spend $15,000 per bus each year on fuel and maintenance. Ongoing expenses like these drain limited school budgets—funds that can and should be used to provide quality education to students in our state.
With some financial help purchasing electric school buses, schools can ensure that our students breathe cleaner air on clean, quiet buses, arriving at school free of the stress of the loud, polluting diesel buses. Plus, school districts can save (and possibly even earn) money in the long run.
Senator Soules is a retired educator with over 30 years experience at all levels of education. He represents District 37 and is Chair of Senate Education Committee.