Socorro Independent School District Superintendent Nate Carman, Ed.D., addressed how the district is helping to contribute to a cleaner environment in the El Paso region along with other city leaders at the Climate Advisory Council press conference conducted by Congresswoman Veronica Escobar on Aug. 15 at the Blue Flame Building in Downtown El Paso.
"It is absolutely my privilege to be here with incredible community leaders to talk about the pressing issue of the climate crisis," Escobar said. "We've brought together key stakeholders for round table conversation, listen to experts and come up with a framework to address the climate crisis. What we hope to do with our framework is essentially provide a roadmap for the community to address the climate crisis, which we've experienced recently having one of the hottest summers ever."
The conference's primary purpose was for city leaders to share the various initiatives to address climate change and work toward ensuring a safe, clean environment for the region.
"Our commitment in Socorro ISD is to provide all students with a high-quality, rigorous and relevant education with innovative programs and resources," Dr. Carman said. "Part of that commitment is ensuring we are doing our part to contribute to a better environment for all students, employees, and community members."
Last October, SISD was selected as one of only 13 Texas school districts and the only one in Region 19 to receive the EPA's Clean School Bus funding, which will provide $9.875 million to build charging infrastructure and replace 25 buses with new electric models.
Adding zero-emission vehicles to the district's bus fleet will help to improve air quality for students and the entire community.
The district plans to have the infrastructure in place within a year to get the 25 buses on SISD routes to serve some 1,500 students in various areas of the district. The electric buses will help with zero emissions in heavily congested areas.
By switching from diesel gas to electric power, SISD estimates a 60 percent of fuel and operational costs savings.
"I am proud that our school district is contributing to positive change for our Team SISD community, our beautiful city and state, and taking action to create a healthier environment and future for all of us," Dr. Carman said. “I look forward to the tremendous impact that we will be making in our community with this investment to modernize our bus fleet.”