OLYMPIA—In a stride towards a greener future, Washington State’s House Appropriations Committee heard House Bill 1368 on Thursday, January 11. Sponsored by Representative Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island), the bill emerges as a House Democratic Caucus environmental priority, setting a new standard for a more climate-friendly, healthier school transportation system.
House Bill 1368 requires a gradual shift towards zero-emission school buses, such that by 2027, all new school bus purchases by school districts, charter schools, or state-tribal education compact schools must be zero-emission. The bill establishes a comprehensive funding program for the differential cost between a diesel and an electric bus, as well as the needed charging infrastructure, to support schools financially in making this eco-friendly transition.
Rep. Tana Senn commented on the historic legislation saying, “This bill is not just about cleaner buses; it’s about securing a healthier future for our children and addressing the urgent need to combat climate change. It’s a pivotal moment for Washington State to lean in and grow our sustainable and environmentally conscious school transportation infrastructure.”
Others who testified or signed in support of the HB 1368 include Climate Solutions, IBEW, Washington Education Association, WSPTA, Seattle Aquarium, League of Women Voters, students and dozens of others.
According to the state’s Department of Ecology’s 2022-2023 Electric School Bus Grant Program Health Impact Assessment, diesel emissions from school buses pose significant health risks. Transportation, responsible for nearly half of Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions, is a critical contributor. Diesel exhaust is identified as the cause of 70% of the state’s airborne cancer risk, increasing the likelihood of respiratory diseases and negatively impacting vulnerable populations.
In fact, a recent Seattle Times article reveals a stark reality: residents in parts of Washington facing poor air quality suffer from increased health risks, living sicker and dying younger, emphasizing the need for cleaner air and environmental justice.
House Bill 1368’s focus on zero-emission buses guarantees real and immediate health benefits, ensuring safer transportation for children. The Health Care Authority recently released a Health Impact Review on this legislation and can be found here.
The grant program associated with this bill will also provide grants to school districts prioritizing overburdened communities who wish to be early adopters before 2027. Acknowledging the intersectionality of environmental and economic disparities, the grants will be prioritized for communities with over, ensuring that children in need have access to healthier and safer transportation options.
House Bill 1368 marks a commitment to environmental stewardship and the well-being of its communities.
This bill will be voted on in the House Appropriations Committee on January 18th.