WALLA WALLA – Recently, two communications specialists from the Department of Ecology visited Walla Walla to learn about the district’s innovative electric bus fleet. Thanks to a $3.7 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Walla Walla Public Schools is set to transition nearly half of its bus fleet to electric power. This initiative includes 15 new electric buses and necessary charging infrastructure as part of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Initiative Grant Program.

In addition to the EPA grant, the district has also received a $1 million grant from the Department of Ecology to support this project. The new fleet will consist of 15 electric buses, including six equipped with wheelchair lifts, with the first buses expected to arrive in early 2025 and all deliveries completed by July. This will increase the district’s total to 18 electric buses. The infrastructure for charging stations is already in the planning phase, with installation set to begin soon.

"Walla Walla Public Schools is leading the way in electric school bus implementation," said Department of Ecology Communications Specialist Eleanor Licata. "We wanted to learn from your experience as this trend is likely to grow across the state."

During their visit, the Department of Ecology team met with various stakeholders, including Transportation Director John Griffith and bus drivers Angie Ewell and Dustin Bezdicek. They also engaged with members of the Walla Walla High School Green Club, including students Sophia Templin and Ari Kim-Leavitt. The team visited Bryan Maas and Charlie DeSalvo of Columbia Rural Electric Association to discuss partnerships for powering the charging stations and concluded their trip with an interview of Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith.

District officials shared with the Department of Ecology representatives that they are witnessing a $400/month savings per bus. “A new diesel bus averages six miles per gallon,” noted Superintendent Smith. “When calculating the cost of fuel vs the cost to charge the buses, we are witnessing an average savings of around $4,000 per year per electric bus.”

“It’s been fantastic to meet all the partners involved in this initiative,” said Licata. “It’s clear that teamwork has been key to making this program a reality in Walla Walla.”

Keep an eye out for the full feature on the Department of Ecology blog, expected to be published in the coming weeks. To read more stories, visit Ecology Blog - https://ecology.wa.gov/blog

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