LEXINGTON, M.A. – On Thursday, Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark (MA-5) celebrated the historic American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding being used to replace Lexington Public School buses with an electric fleet. The 2021 law made available $7 million to replace old diesel school buses with new electric school buses. Assistant Speaker Clark was joined by State Senator Michael Barrett, State Representative Michelle Ciccolo, and local officials. Lexington is receiving $350,000 to purchase new electric buses and fulfill the promise of safe, efficient transportation options for every student in the district.

"School buses impact the quality of our air and, in turn, the health of our kids and communities. With American Rescue Plan funding, Lexington school buses are going fully electric, driving us forward to a more sustainable future," said Assistant Speaker Clark. "I was proud to vote for this funding and now see it bring real benefits to our community and ensure a better future for our students and our planet."

The Lexington Public School District currently uses about 36 buses, which drive 14,000 miles a year on average. Electric vehicles have fewer parts that require repair, their batteries have a longer life expectancy, and they burn fewer fossil fuels, making them the better economic and environmental choice.

The American Rescue Plan, passed by Democrats in Congress and signed by President Biden in March 2021, included $47 billion for climate resiliency and $50 million targeted toward environmental justice initiatives. Additionally, the law provided Massachusetts $1.8 billion for public schools to reopen safely and equitably.

Photos from the event can be found HERE.

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