Statement: Federal electric truck, bus investments help to slash air pollution, reduce climate emissions

Media Contacts
Matt Casale

Former Director, Environment Campaigns, PIRG

Vice President Kamala Harris has announced grants for electric buses and federal clean trucks initiative

U.S. PIRG

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris announced on Monday several initiatives to reduce diesel pollution from buses and trucks. Federal funding will now be available for electric transit buses and school buses, cleaner port vehicles and more. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule to reduce pollution from heavy-duty trucks that will accelerate the deployment of zero-emission technology.

Heavy-duty vehicles, including buses, emit toxic air pollutants, causing and exacerbating heart and respiratory diseases like asthma and lung cancer. Transportation-related pollution may have disproportionately larger impacts on health compared to other sources because they generally emit pollution closer to people.

Experts from Environment America and U.S. PIRG issued the following statement:

 “Getting to school or commuting to work shouldn’t include a daily dose of toxic pollution, or increase the chances that people will get sick,” said Matt Casale, director of U.S. PIRG’s environment campaigns. “Our transit agencies and school districts are already strapped for cash. This influx of money will ensure that clean electric buses will go to communities that need it. This investment in electric buses and trucks is essential to ensure cleaner air for all.”

“Cleaning up the pollution from the biggest trucks on our roads is necessary to slow global warming,” said Environment America Destination: Zero Carbon director Morgan Folger. “It’s been 20 years since we updated pollution standards for trucks, and EPA’s new rule can help save lives and kick start the development of cleaner electric semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. As we transition to zero-emission trucks and buses, the smog will lift and we will all breathe easier.” 

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