This working paper looks at the role of Clean Cities and Communities coalitions in the equitable electric school bus transition throughout the United States.
Local and regional technical assistance providers are playing a key role in translating policy and supporting local implementation of clean transportation fuel transitions, such as electric school buses. This stakeholder analysis interviewed 29 Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) coalitions on their involvement in the equitable transition to electric school buses across the United States. CC&C coalitions play a key technical assistance role supporting local communities with clean transportation fuel transitions, as part of a national network overseen by the US Department of Energy.
This working paper presents findings on region-specific barriers to electrification, local political and community perceptions of school bus electrification, technical assistance techniques, environmental justice and equity knowledge and strategies, and community engagement and partnership best practices. This paper was co-developed by WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative and Equitable Cities.
Key Findings:
- Through six regional focus group interviews with 29 Clean Cities and Communities (CC&C) coalitions, this paper found that coalitions broadly favor transitioning to electric school buses (ESBs) for their clean transportation, environmental, and health benefits. Coalitions are actively involved in supporting school districts with school bus electrification through education, technical assistance, and outreach.
- Capacity limitations and region-specific challenges can hinder coalition involvement in electric school buses (ESBs). Regions prioritize ESBs differently due to local variables like infrastructure gaps and varying perceptions of ESB benefits and technology readiness.
- While striving for fuel-neutrality, coalitions encounter tensions with the promotion of other fuels due to political climates, stakeholder interests, and historical investments in earlier versions of alternative fuels such as propane and compressed natural gas.
- Policymakers, practitioners, and advocates can facilitate an equitable ESB transition by addressing grid infrastructure, reducing fuel tension, supporting capacity building for school districts and regional practitioners, and clarifying equity definitions and resources.