URBANA, Ill. – Federal funding is now available for replacing older dirty school buses with cleaner vehicles, including electric school buses. University of Illinois Extension and Prairie Rivers Network are collaborating on a free online webinar to help school districts understand their options.

The webinar begins at 11 a.m. June 23. Register online at go.illinois.edu/SchoolBus. If an accommodation is needed in order to participate, please email Nancy Ouedraogo @ esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

Several incentives are available this summer, says Nancy Ouedraogo, Illinois Extension community and economic development specialist. 

"I think it is important for our schools to become a living lab for clean energy," says Ouedraogo. "Not only will it decrease carbon emissions and energy costs, it can demonstrate the practice and mentality for our next generation of environmentalists."

There are many benefits in transitioning to electric buses, including improved health, reduced emissions, and substantial financial savings for school districts. The webinar will address coverage, prioritization, program guidance, and technical assistance for the process, as well as provide a case study of a school district in transition. 

Presenters include Tim Farquer, senior advisor for World Resources Institute’s Electric School Bus Initiative, and Susan Mudd, senior policy advocate for the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.

WRITER: Judy Mae Bingman, Illinois Extension Marketing and Communications Manager
SOURCE: Nancy Ouedraogo, Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Specialist