The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are leading the way into a cleaner transportation future, as Cherokee is home to the first electric-vehicle school bus in the state.
Last week, Principal Chief Sneed of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Governor Cooper along with EPA Administrator Michael Regan unveiled the electric school bus.
“This electric school bus is better for the environment and our children’s health, and it was made right here in North Carolina. That’s a win-win-win for our state,” Governor Cooper stated. “The transition to clean transportation is critical in our fight against climate change, and this new emission-free bus shows just how many opportunities for clean energy transitions there are in our everyday life.”
The bus, which was purchased through grant funds from North Carolina’s Volkswagen Emissions Settlement, will serve Cherokee Central Schools.
“We are grateful and excited for cooperation we have received from Governor Cooper and the Environmental Protection Agency in the effort to provide better and safer transportation for our school children,” Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Richard Sneed stated. “We are confident that the new electric school busses will be an asset for the community for years to come.”
In addition, Regan announced an EPA grant that will help fund four more electric vehicle school buses for Cherokee Central School.
