Electric School Buses Ready to Roll in Georgia

Environment Georgia’s director, Jennette Gayer, speaks in favor of electric school buses.Photo by Allysa Pointer for Moms Clean Air Force | Used by permission

JONESBORO, Ga. — Environment Georgia and allies joined the Clayton County School Board and Blue Bird Corporation at the Clayton County International Park’s playground Thursday to celebrate the award of 25 new electric school buses to Clayton County Schools. Federal funds from the Build Back Better Act and the Inflation Reduction Act will help pay for these vehicles.

Below is the statement Environment Georgia’s State Director Jennette Gayer shared at the event:

“Today’s event is celebrating the tip of the clean energy future iceberg. The Build Back Better Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have poised this country to realize a new energy future–one that is powered by the sun and the wind, without toxic air and water emissions.

“Before the 117th Congress took action on these two historic pieces of legislation, there was one electric school bus in Georgia. Now, there will be 122. There will be an EV charger every 50 miles on Georgia’s highways, we’ll see more rooftop solar, and energy efficiency and weatherization investments will help Georgians save money on their energy bills.

In the two months since the Inflation Reduction Act has passed, two companies have announced plans to invest over $5.6 billion in Georgia creating over 8,570 jobs manufacturing EVs and solar panels.

This means my son, who is in first grade, attends an APS school and loves science, will have real green job options when he grows up — and less air pollution from dirty buses! A win-win! The future is bright!”