Essay
Bill HF 1653 is about funding charging stations for electric school buses. One million dollars would be appropriated from the bond proceeds fund to the commissioner of commerce for grants to eligible applicants as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.374, to acquire and install Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations for electric buses used to transport students. Though electric buses are more expensive up front, they are more cost-effective in the long run.
In 2015, an electric bus would have cost around $770,000, while a diesel bus would have only cost $445,000. The gap in the prices has gone down, though it is still significant. It is about 2.5 times cheaper in the long run to run an electric vehicle than a diesel. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that the fuel economy of BEBs (battery-powered electric buses) is 5 times higher than that of diesel buses operating on equivalent routes. Also, maintenance costs for electric motors are much lower because they have far fewer moving parts than conventional motors and are far more efficient. In addition, electricity is more stable in cost than diesel, which fluctuates constantly.
According to our Minnesota climate, the amount of energy our state produces from renewable resources like solar power and wind has risen 60% over the past decade. Greenhouse gas emissions from our power sector have dropped 40% over the last 10 years. Electric buses would contribute to the state's goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.
After the light rail began operating in 2004, public transportation use increased. Though buses still held a higher percentage of the rides, the light rail exceeded its pre-construction ridership predictions. The initial projections for 2005 daily ridership were around 19,300, a figure already achieved by December 2004.
Based on the success of the light rail, more electric buses would be a good investment. They would be both better for the environment, and there would hopefully be more students using public transportation. Please vote yes on bill HF 1653 for a better environment and a greener option for students.
https://www.eesi.org/papers/view/fact-sheet-electric-buses-benefits-outweigh-costs
