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California’s ambitious $500 million initiative to deploy 1,000 electric school buses is not just a win for the environment—it’s also an economic driver.
This investment is leading to the creation of jobs along with fostering local industry growth, and positioning California as a leader in clean transportation.
Last Week, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office announced the state will allocate 1,000 zero-emission school buses, along with associated charging infrastructure, to over 130 school districts serving rural, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. In addition, the initiative will fund the installation of approximately 500 new charging stations, supplementing the more than 200 stations currently operational within school districts.
The state's commitment to electrifying school buses is generating employment opportunities across various sectors. Manufacturers like Blue Bird Corporation are ramping up production to meet demand. Blue Bird recently celebrated the delivery of its 1,500th electric school bus and is expanding its production capacity to 5,000 units annually.. This will lead to an increase in hiring, which is expected to boost local economies.
“California is committed to continuing efforts to reduce children’s exposure to toxic diesel pollution through the deployment of zero-emission school buses,” Liane Randolph, chair of the California Air Resources Board, said. “State funding is especially critical as schools grapple with the rollback of federal support.”
Companies, such as Storer Transportation, are receiving state grants to develop bi-directional charging systems, allowing buses to supply power back to the grid during peak demand. This supports grid stability and is expected to create jobs in the energy sector.
To maintain these advanced vehicles, California is investing in workforce development. The Electric School Bus Training Program, developed by the California Energy Commission and Cerritos College, offers free courses to technicians statewide. These courses cover essential skills, from high-voltage safety to charging infrastructure, ensuring a skilled workforce ready to support the growing fleet.
