Chesterfield County, the most populous locality in central Virginia with nearly 371,000 residents, recognizes the importance of sustainability for its future, economy, and quality of life. The recent arrival of wildfire smoke from Canada serves as a reminder that climate change is a real issue that affects everyone, and it highlights the need for collective action to find solutions. At the local level, Chesterfield County is committed to taking steps to secure a more sustainable future, including reducing pollution, transitioning to clean energy, and protecting clean air and water for all residents.
The federal government has implemented various policies that provide funding for infrastructure, clean energy, and sustainable transportation across Virginia. These investments are already yielding positive results for the county’s 67 public schools, which serve approximately 64,000 students. In 2021, Chesterfield County Public Schools became the first school division in the metro Richmond area to introduce electric school buses into its transportation fleet. This initiative not only protects students and staff with respiratory conditions but also benefits the entire community by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One electric school bus can eliminate up to 13.4 tons of emissions in a year. Additionally, electric buses offer cost savings through lower maintenance expenses and contribute to grid resilience by supplying power during peak times.
Transportation is the largest contributor to climate change, accounting for over half of Virginia’s total carbon emissions and nearly 30% of the nation’s emissions. Therefore, transitioning to electric vehicles, particularly in the school bus sector, is a crucial step in reducing pollution and achieving pollution reduction goals. The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, along with other tools, aims to support school divisions and localities in addressing the climate crisis.
Schools are significant energy consumers in the public sector. The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in 2022, provides opportunities for school divisions to pursue tax credits for renewable energy installations and investments. This can lower costs in the long run while reducing energy demand. The act also includes funding for on-site pollution reductions and the construction of solar-ready schools, which can improve air quality and create self-sustaining facilities.
However, the full implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act at the local level relies on the flow of federal funding to states. The current Youngkin administration’s stance on clean energy and climate action policies has been met with resistance. To secure a better future for Virginians, it is crucial for the administration to prioritize the implementation of federal funding, regardless of partisan politics.
As leaders at the municipal level, Chesterfield County officials are dedicated to improving the community and seizing opportunities to bring resources that cut pollution and create a better tomorrow for all residents. By working together and prioritizing sustainability, Chesterfield County can make significant progress towards a cleaner and more resilient future.
Dot Heffron, who represents the Clover Hill District on the Chesterfield County School Board, can be contacted at dl_heffron@ccpsnet.net.
Original Story at richmond.com – 2023-07-02 08:30:00