Update: Florida prepares to invest in electric buses

This week, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that it will be joining the growing number of governmental agencies modernizing their transportation sector by investing in electric buses. The DEP will be releasing $68 million in funding from a Volkswagen settlement for 13 counties in the state to purchase 227 electric buses. It also awarded grants for seven school districts to purchase 218 electric school buses.  Electric buses for use by schools and public transit agencies reduce the levels of toxic pollution residents are exposed to, as well as the amount of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions put into our atmosphere. Other funds from the $166 million settlement will be used to install electric vehicle charging and to reduce marine diesel emissions.