Health and Climate Gains for Using School E-Buses in the US

Switching from diesel-fuelled school buses to electric models offers substantial health, environmental, and economic advantages across the United States. A new report from the World Resources Institute (WRI) finds that replacing ageing, fossil-fuelled buses could deliver US$1.6 trillion in annual health and climate benefits.

Health risks from diesel-fuelled school buses

According to the report, 90% of the 500,000 school buses operating in the United States run on diesel, one of the most polluting transport fuels. Compared with petrol engines, diesel engines emit significantly higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, pollutants known to worsen air quality and contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The World Health Organization classifies diesel exhaust as a carcinogen.

The projected US$1.6 trillion in annual benefits comes from avoided premature deaths from exposure to diesel pollution, as well as from reducing greenhouse gas emissions that drive extreme heat, sea level rise, food insecurity, and other climate-related impacts. The report also highlights that incorporating large volumes of nitrogen oxide emissions, linked to asthma, morbidity, and additional premature deaths, would further increase these benefits beyond current estimates.

These older diesel buses are disproportionately concentrated in communities of colour and low-income areas. As a result, prioritising the electrification of buses in these districts would deliver the best health and climate gains.

Top US counties that benefit most from electric school buses

While total annual benefits vary by county, depending on fleet size, population density, bus age, and local electricity sources, the report concludes that electrification delivers positive outcomes nationwide.

The ten US counties projected to gain the highest economic benefits from transitioning to electric buses are:

1. King County, New York – US$46 million
2. Queens County, New York – US$34 million
3. Los Angeles County, California – US$33 million
4. Orange County, California – US$19 million
5. Suffolk County, New York – US$18 million
6. Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania – US$12 million
7. Harris County, Texas – US$12 million
8. Sacramento County, California – US$12 million
9. Cook County, Illinois – US$11 million
10. Nassau County, New York – US$11 million
    

A roadmap for policymakers and school districts

This is the first research study to quantify, in monetary terms, the combined health and climate impacts of replacing ageing diesel school buses with electric ones. It incorporates both upstream and tailpipe emissions at the county level, providing policymakers, school districts, manufacturers, and utilities with a detailed picture.

The report recommends prioritising funding for school districts with high concentrations of vulnerable populations and outdated diesel fleets to maximise health improvements and ensure equitable outcomes.

Download the report: Modeling the societal health and climate benefits associated with transitioning the US school bus fleet from diesel to electric.