October 3, 2019
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will receive $340,336 from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to launch its first electric school bus.
Prince George’s is one of four counties statewide to receive funds to pilot electric or alternative fuel school buses.
“Eco-friendly initiatives, such as electric school buses, help to keep our children safe inside and outside of school,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson. “We are grateful for these funds and look forward to seeing our yellow school buses ‘go green.’”
MDE’s “clean” school bus program is funded through settlements with manufacturers who installed devices in diesel-powered vehicles to illegally bypass emission standards. The program works hand-in-hand with MDE’s school bus idle reduction program, adopted by more than 50 Maryland schools.
Both programs will improve air quality and provide immediate youth health benefits through reduced vehicle emissions. The buses will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
After funding the first round of electric or alternative fuel school bus proposals, approximately $2.1 million will be opened for new proposals in spring 2020.
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