TexPIRG applauds Austin’s commitment to a greener future

Austin recently made one of the largest purchases of electric vehicles in the United States.

On Sept. 29, the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (CapMetro) board of directors approved a plan to purchase nearly 197 new electric buses over the next five years for Austin’s bus fleet. The shift to electric buses is part of the citywide plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

According to current estimates, transportation accounts for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in Austin. Most of the buses still run on fossil fuels which increases global warming emissions and has been linked to several severe health risks like cancer and respiratory illnesses.

“Austin’s investment in a clean, zero-emission future shows that the city is serious about acting on pollution and climate change. Rolling out this many electric buses is a big win for mobility, public health and the environment in Austin, said TexPIRG State Director Bay Scoggin.

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Learn more about our Electric Buses for Texas campaign.