NAACP Celebrates $900 Million EPA Allocation for Clean School Bus Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — This week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of nearly $900 million for the Clean School Buses initiative under President Biden's 'Investing in America' agenda. The Clean School Bus funding prioritizes disadvantaged and overly polluted communities.
On Wednesday, NAACP President & CEO, Derrick Johnson and Congressman Bennie Thompson, and the Jackson Public School District hosted EPA Administrator Michael Regan in Jackson, MS to unveil the district's new fleet of electric school buses. President Johnson reflected on the visit with the following statement:
"Our children are the future. The sad reality is, the growing threats posed by the climate crisis have placed that future in jeopardy. Let's be clear - fossil fuels must be phased out. The NAACP applauds the Biden-Harris administration for their continued commitment to investing in clean energy solutions that benefit all Americans. We remain determined to advocate for innovative solutions to the most pressing issues plaguing our community. Together, we will make clean energy a reality for all."
Black youth are highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change, toxic air and water pollution, and other environmental injustices. The Biden Administration's announcement of clean school buses in Jackson, Mississippi as well as an additional $900 million is a step toward centering historically excluded communities.
"The NAACP recognizes this bold step on behalf of the EPA to ensure children from disadvantaged and excluded communities are prioritized with the air they breathe," said Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice. "Now is the time to ensure Black youth are not left out of mass transit and clean air conversations. It is critical that we prioritize having clean school buses in Black school districts and it remains our hope that President Biden and Administrator Regan will center the needs of Black children in these additional environmental and transportation funding conversations."
The NAACP has long advocated for the Clean School Buses initiative. The Association's units across the country have collectively worked to electrify fleets in over 15 states, including Mississippi. Through community engagement and mobilization, our grassroots advocates continue to ensure their districts secure the resources necessary to implement Clean School Buses for all.
To access photos from the event, visit this link.
For more information on our environmental and climate justice work, visit our website.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.