Advocates push for electric school bus funding in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – Could the old, yellow diesel school bus become a thing of the past? Advocates with the groups NMVC Action Fund and Healthy Climate New Mexico made the pitch for electric school buses to the legislative Transportation Infrastructure Revenue Subcommittee.

“There’s no mandate at all. What we’re trying to do is really level the path, so to speak, for districts who might choose to do this,” said Charles Goodmacher, policy advisor for Healthy Climate New Mexico.

In his presentation, he told lawmakers going electric is a ‘win, win, win.’ He said it keeps kids away from harmful chemicals in diesel, helps drivers focus because the buses are quieter, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. But, how much does it cost to make the switch?

“The governor did issue executive order for state fleet of vehicles to turn over 100% by 2035. I don’t’ see a reason why we don’t do the same for school district buses. Of course, money is a big factor,” said Goodmacher.

He said the cost of an electric school bus is around $420,000, compared to about $120,000 for a diesel bus. Chargers would also need to be purchased. Goodmacher said in the long run, districts can save around $100,000 in fuel and maintenance costs.

“Electric school buses cannot just save money for school districts, but it can also be a source of income,” he said. “For dealing with peak power demand during the summer, the buses aren’t running at all. So, they download the energy at two or three in the morning when it’s cheap, sell it back to the utility in the afternoon and evening when the demand is highest, and the school district has an extra income source.”

Lawmakers questioned how far the electric buses can go, how extreme weather impacts them, and if drivers would need special training.

Advocates are pushing for the legislative changes now, so districts can take advantage of federal funding to go electric before it runs out. According to the group, at least six New Mexico school districts, including Albuquerque Public Schools , have utilized the EPA funding to get new, cleaner buses.

So far, the EPA has given about $3 billion to fund 8,500 hundred school bus replacements at more than 1,000 schools across the country.

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