By Bob Katzen

Photo by William Tauro

The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee held a hearing on a bill that would establish a grant program run by the Department of Energy Resources to help cities and towns offset the cost difference between buying zero-emission electric school buses and traditional diesel-powered ones. The grant program would prioritize support for communities in which the median household income is below the state’s median income or where the 5-year average rate of emergency department visits for childhood asthmas is greater than the state’s 5-year average rate.

“Most of our school busses still run on diesel, which pollutes the air, contributes to climate change, and exposes children to harmful emissions every day, especially when buses idle outside schools,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “While zero-emission buses are more expensive up front, this legislation helps close that gap so more communities can make the switch. It’s about giving every child access to safer, healthier transportation and making real progress toward cleaner air.”