Congress Told High Fuel Prices for School Buses Impact Environment, Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2007) — The American yellow school bus continued to receive federal attention this week when NSTA testified before Congress on implications pupil transportation, and the rising cost of fuel, have on the global warming issue.

Terry Thomas at the House committee hearing on May 9.

Terry Thomas, the chair of NSTA's Government Relations Committee, told the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming on May 9 that the lack of federal funding for the school bus industry is forcing many school districts across the county to curtail service, with the result being increased traffic congestion, pollution and fuel consumption, not to mention reduced child safety if they are forced to find alternative, higher-risk means to get to school.

Increased fuel prices are the crux of the issue, as school districts and school bus operators must get creative in how they shoulder these costs. Many schools have eliminated sports and activity trips or have begun charging parents for bus service. Others are eliminating busing altogether, have turned to voter referendums for additional funds or are partnering with public transit. Thomas suggested five ways the feds can help mitigate school bus fuel costs, including: funds from the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program; federal subsidies for fuel cost increases, energy and investment tax credits for manufacturing and purchasing alternate fuel school buses; and funding mandates to meet safety, environmental and security standards.

"I heard from Terry and from Gabe (Rozsa, an industry lobbyist) that it was very well received," said Robin Leeds, an NSTA industry specialist and a key author of the report but who was not in attendance. "The committee was very interested and engaged. They asked a number of questions. They were amazed at the statistics given, namely the school bus safety record and the size of the national fleet."