It was exciting to read that school districts across Maine were awarded funds to purchase electric school buses, and in particular that the Wells-Ogunquit school district will be able to replace all but one of its diesel buses. Not only will these buses carry much lower maintenance costs, they’ll also emit zero pollution, creating a healthier environment for children riding the bus.
These grants from the federal government are such a great example of how we can work across political parties to transition to a clean energy economy. The funding came from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed last year that was supported by Sens. Collins and King, and Reps. Pingree and Golden. It is also a great example of how reducing our reliance on oil and gas not only cuts costs but helps improve our health.
We’re all seeing the high cost of fossil fuels, especially at the gas pump. Giving towns and others the opportunities to move to electric vehicles is one tangible way we can stop sending millions of dollars to out-of-state fossil fuel companies. I commend everyone who worked on these grant applications.
I am so looking forward to seeing (and not smelling) our new electric school buses on the road.
Beth Widmayer
Wells
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