California just passed a rule that will phase out diesel and gas-powered public transit buses by 2040. The powerful California Air Resources Board (CARB), which regulates air quality in the state, issued a unanimous rule that will bar the 200 public transit agencies in the state from purchasing any natural gas or diesel buses beginning in 2029. By 2040, only zero-emissions buses will be allowed. A growing number of municipalities have already invested in electric buses and are building up their EV fleets. But the CARB rule is the first state-wide electric bus requirement. The move could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 19 million metric tons through 2050, the equivalent of taking four million cars off of the road. Perhaps more important for the communities in question is the impact on local air pollution – particulate matter and the formation of ground level ozone that has negative effects on […]