by Brian T. Lyons
I grew up on a small farm in Northern Florida. As a young child I spent many hours operating a tractor. The exhaust on most tractors back then, came out right in front of the driver’s face. I have since learned, that Diesel exhaust fumes produce over 40 harmful chemicals including NO2.
I had the pleasure of watching The EPA’s Director Wheeler speak on this same topic in DC in early 2020. Director Wheeler stated it has been proven that children that are exposed to diesel exhaust fumes as a result of riding a school bus have compromised health issues.
These same toxic chemicals come from a school bus fire but in much greater levels when compared to diesel exhaust fumes. I’m amazed that data clearly shows that children that live besides major interstates have a far greater chance of having asthma or other respiratory issues from the passing vehicle’s exhaust fumes.
A school bus driver and student lost their lives in the Iowa school bus fire back in July 2019.This tragic event led The NTSB to complete a major investigation. They concluded that several new school bus safety recommendations should be implemented. These recommendations were sent to bus manufacturers, most State’s Governors, and many others. Very little- to no action has been taken by anyone to implement the NTSB’s recommendations. One of these recommendations is that all new and buses currently in service are to have an automatic fire suppression system installed.
Now, several senators are introducing a Federal Bill that would invest $25B in School Bus Fleet Electrification.
Below is a Hyper Link to the proposed “Clean Air for Kids Act.”
https://www.schoolbusfleet.com/10141782/federal-bill-would-invest-25b-in-school-bus-fleet-electrification?utm_source=email&utm_medium=enewsletter&utm_campaign=20210422-NL-SBF-Newsline-BOBCD210416022&omdt=NL-SBF-Newsline&omid=1118404146&utm_content=01&oly_enc_id=0906G7489778A1U
I felt the need to urgently share this info. If Federal dollars will be used to purchase Electric School buses, the new buses should have the latest safety recommendations to ensure our children’s safety. There is no need to waste $25B on outdated buses.
We have also, disappointedly, read several articles stating that Emergency Responders are not prepared for Electric Vehicle fires.
I think we can all agree; if we are going to update the school bus fleet, they should be as safe as possible for our children. NTSB investigations and information gathered by the DoT have suggested Automatic Fire Suppression Systems should be installed on every bus. We are ready to do our part and work to educate those fearful of electric buses.