Critics argue that the recent arctic blast revealing significant snowfall across much of the East has not just highlighted the demand for road salt but also the potential for substantial waste of taxpayer dollars through an unreliable electric bus subsidy program linked to the Biden administration. This perspective comes from Power the Future, an energy advocacy and watchdog group, comparing over $8 billion spent on two federal aid programs with oversight failures related to Minnesota’s Medicaid and child care rights issues.
Some transit agencies are acquiring electric buses mainly through a “low-emissions” subsidy program facilitated by the Federal Transit Administration, which saw a boost of $1.6 billion during Biden’s tenure. Daniel Turner from the group emphasized the need for thorough examination of whether taxpayers are indeed receiving dependable transportation options.
Furthermore, the report brought attention to a 2024 EPA Inspector General audit that pointed out the agency’s failure to effectively track the deployment of electric school buses under a 2022 rebate program that allocated $836 million.
It was noted that only about 7% of the involved school districts had set up the necessary infrastructure for operating the buses. “Awarding hundreds of millions without verifying whether the buses are delivered and functional mirrors the failings that were evident in Minnesota,” stated the report.
The organization argues that these issues expose what they describe as an alarming trend in the Biden administration’s extensive spending on “green infrastructure,” which they believe requires an immediate response.
An additional $7.5 billion is earmarked for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, yet under that program, fewer than 400 charging stations have lately been constructed.
PTF concluded that there is a troubling correlation among the presence of non-operational electric buses in cold climates, school buses that remain unused, and subsidies yielding little to no effective infrastructure. They pointed to a pattern reminiscent of past federal crises involving large payouts and minimal oversight.
As a specific example, Turner cited electric buses purchased by Green Mountain Transit in Vermont. He mentioned that during the recent extreme weather, these buses faced challenges in charging and operation under sub-zero conditions, which aligns with known limitations of battery performance in such climates.
In one instance in New York, a problem with steering in an electric bus arose. Turner criticized the program for neglecting the needs of schoolchildren, emphasizing that it seems to prioritize environmental objectives over practical efficacy.
PTF also mentioned a similar situation in Maine, where the local superintendent reported receiving four “substandard buses” from a now-defunct Canadian company, with one bus reportedly crashing due to brake failure.
The report claimed that over 95% of the funds for these buses, costing nearly $8 million total, came from taxpayers, leading to serious questions regarding accountability and oversight in the program.
It was noted that these buses, although acquired for Vermont’s climate, reportedly struggle to charge at temperatures below 41 degrees. With Burlington’s winter averages resting in the mid-20s, the vehicles projected as suitable for that environment are not to be relied on under proper winter conditions.
In response, Clayton Clark, general manager of Green Mountain Transit, noted that the lack of service for the buses was due to a recalled issue unrelated to the weather, countering claims regarding charging difficulties. He added that misconceptions about the buses were misreported in the media.
While a new set of batteries is anticipated within 18 to 24 months, suggesting a problem that was not inherent from the beginning, Turner pointed out that those managing transportation should consider the limitations of an evolving technology that seems less proven compared to traditional buses.
He expressed concerns regarding the risks involved, indicating that those who depend on gasoline-powered buses should not have to encounter these difficulties. Overall, he lamented that children could be denied access to education due to complications stemming from experimental technologies and mismanaged priorities.
EPA spokesperson Michael Bastach mentioned that the agency is actively reviewing the Clean School Bus Program, ensuring effective utilization of taxpayer funds and emphasizing a commitment to responsible oversight under Secretary Zeldin’s leadership.
