Congressman Deluzio Visits MASD to Celebrate New Electric School Buses

Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) joined Moon Area School District officials and clean air advocates to celebrate the $10.57 million federal investment to provide thirty-eight fully electric buses to school districts around Pennsylvania’s 17^th Congressional District. Specifically, the leaders spotlighted the $1.2 million for Moon Area School District’s purchase of six new vehicles.  

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from this grant and what it makes possible for Moon Area School District, our partners at Student Transportation of America, and our entire community," said Mr. Barry Balaski, MASD Superintendent. "This reflects our ongoing efforts to improve not only our school transportation system, but also our environment."

These electric buses support the work of improving air quality and protecting public health. Unfortunately, Western Pennsylvania is no stranger to the devastating effects of poor air quality. Air pollution is particularly harmful for the developing lungs of children and can result in multiple health problems, asthma being the most common. Health issues like asthma are a leading reason for school absenteeism. Replacing diesel school buses with all-electric school buses would help to improve air quality in PA and reduce children’s exposure to asthma-causing pollutants.

“I have a lot of fond memories of taking the bus from Thornburg to Ingram Elementary, but I also remember how awful the school bus smelled. We’ve got to do better by our kids and keep diesel fumes from filling their lungs,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I’m excited to see these new buses on the streets of Moon Township along with the Pine-Richland, Woodland Hills, and South Fayette School Districts. It’s a big win for our kids’ health, our climate goals, and this region’s air quality.”  

“Thanks to EPA’s Clean School Bus program, Moon Area School District students will soon have a safer, cleaner, and healthier ride to and from school,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “This $1.2 million investment from the Biden-Harris Administration will have a positive impact on not only the students, but also the bus drivers and anyone who lives along a route.” 

Electric buses also help address the growing problem of climate change. Transportation is the third greatest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania. Most school buses run on diesel fuel, which emits harmful soot, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants that significantly worsen air quality. This announced funding will provide school buses that are fully electric, mitigating the effects of dangerous school transit.  

Additionally, depending on location, districts can spend less money on electricity costs than diesel fuel for the buses. There is evidence that electric school buses have a lower lifetime maintenance cost than diesel school buses, giving school districts extra room in their budget to spend on students, families, and teachers.  

The funding announced is part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Clean School Bus program, funded by the larger bipartisan Infrastructure Law that President Biden signed in 2021.