We, the residents, parents, and taxpayers of Jefferson Parish, urge the Jefferson Parish School Board to reconsider its recent decision to reject the $7.1 million federal grant for electric school buses.

This grant, awarded through the federal Clean School Bus Program, would have replaced 25 aging diesel buses with zero-emission electric vehicles. Yes, it required the district to invest $3.4 million—but district officials projected it would save Jefferson Parish $2.3 million every year in fuel and maintenance costs. That’s a smart investment with long-term returns for students and taxpayers alike.

Electric buses mean cleaner air for our children, lower exposure to diesel exhaust, and quieter, safer rides to and from school. They also mean fewer repairs, less reliance on volatile fuel prices, and lower operational costs for the school system. This isn’t just about environmental policy—it’s about public health and financial responsibility.

Unfortunately, the board’s vote was influenced by misinformation and outside pressure campaigns. While some concerns about new technology are understandable, credible data from the National Transportation Safety Board shows that electric vehicles have far fewer fires per 100,000 vehicles than gasoline-powered ones. We shouldn’t let fear override facts—or let politics stand in the way of practical, cost-effective improvements for our students.

Several board members voted in favor of the grant and others expressed openness to electric buses in the future. That tells us the conversation isn’t over. It’s not too late to revisit this decision, work toward a revised funding plan, or request an extension from the federal government before the opportunity disappears completely.

We urge the Jefferson Parish School Board to hold a public hearing, engage with the community honestly, and bring this grant back for a second vote. The people of this parish deserve clean air, safer buses, and smart use of public funds. Let’s not miss this opportunity.

Photo: LESLIE WESTBROOK/nola.com