Casar Touts EPA Sending New Electric Buses for Texas Schools

Texas Representative Greg Casar (D) recently celebrated the announcement of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) “Clean School Bus” program. The program will send new, electric buses to Texas schools.

“JUST ANNOUNCED: School districts across #TX35 — including @AustinISD, @DelValleISD, @SanMarcosCISD, & @SAISD — are receiving grants from @EPA’s #CleanSchoolBus program for new electric & low-emission school buses! All kids deserve clean air to breathe!” tweeted Rep. Casar.

67 applicants will receive nearly $1 billion in funding from the Biden administration for electric buses. Schools in Austin, Del Valle, San Marcos and San Antonio, TX will receive clean electric buses.

In a statement, Vice President Kamala Harris (D) gave some details on the effects of buses that run on gas.

“Every school day, 25 million children ride our nation’s largest form of mass transit: the school bus. The vast majority of those buses run on diesel, exposing students, teachers, and bus drivers to toxic air pollution,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.

“Today, we are announcing nearly $1 billion to fund clean school buses across the nation. As part of our work to tackle the climate crisis, the historic funding we are announcing today is an investment in our children, their health, and their education. It also strengthens our economy by investing in American manufacturing and America’s workforce.”

The statement claims that phasing out diesel buses is good for students’ health as the buses are known to release toxic fumes. Furthermore, it claims that the fumes from the buses affect tribal, black and brown communities at a higher rate than others.

Despite some of the effects, some in Texas have pushed for more natural gas production from the state.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) attacked President Joe Biden (D) in a brief rant about the president’s energy policies.

“Biden’s war on American energy has left Americans with higher gas prices & increased dependence on foreign oil. Texas is the key to restoring U.S. energy dominance & lowering the price at the pump. I will ALWAYS fight federal overreach & protect our thriving energy industry,” tweeted the Texas politician.

The current Texas governor has attacked the president multiple times for his energy policies and his impact on the economy.

It’s worth noting that the president doesn't have the affect on gas prices that many think. Politicians don’t control gas prices, as they are dictated more by supply and demand. Furthermore, gas prices can change depending on the time of year.