By Ruth Sawyer, Beyond Coal Organizer
In early February, the Board of Directors for Seattle Public Schools will consider a resolution to eliminate all fossil fuels used in school facilities by 2040. This will ensure that schools use 100% clean, renewable energy for heating, cooling, cooking, electricity, and transportation -- possibly joining the many other school districts across the country that have committed to actions towards creating a liveable future for the students they serve.
Sierra Club, Climate Parents, and the NAACP Youth Council have been working on this resolution alongside a committed group of parents, school board members, students, teachers, and community members since mid-2020. We have been committed to this work through all the ups and downs because the science is clear: The climate crisis requires a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels by 2030, and full decarbonization by 2050, in order to mitigate the most catastrophic consequences of climate change. That's why a growing number of school districts across the nation are committing to move to 100% clean energy, phasing out gas infrastructure, and adopting zero-emission school buses. By embracing clean electricity, these proposals put our school districts on a path to eliminate climate pollution from their operations while improving student health and performance.
Seattle Public Schools is the largest public school district in the state of Washington, and includes over 9 million square feet of buildings. In Washington State, gas appliances in buildings produce at least 17% of Washington’s GHG emissions. We burn nearly twice as much gas in our homes and buildings than in all of Washington’s power plants. Transitioning from gas to clean energy appliances is critical not only to mitigate the severity of the climate crisis, but also to reduce unhealthy air pollution, improve community safety and climate resilience, and realize long-term energy savings. By transitioning using 100% clean, renewable energy for heating, cooling, and cooking, Seattle Public Schools can be an important part of helping our region meet its climate goals in the coming decades.
In addition to their climate impacts, fossil fuels directly impact our students.1 Students riding in diesel school buses, for instance, breathe in four times as much diesel exhaust as passengers in a car driving in front of the bus.2 This kind of exposure has up to 46 times the cancer risk level considered significant under federal law. Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that learning outcomes are improved in school districts with reduced diesel exposure. Better indoor air quality and lighting in schools also improves academic performance and student health. We can make sure our students experience these benefits by moving to clean, renewable energy to power school buildings and vehicles.
By creating a plan for 100% clean energy, the School Board can ensure that our schools and school buses are free of fossil fuels that create both toxic air pollution and climate pollution. The District has already saved over $1.4 million in utility bills through energy conservation efforts, and school property can be used as sites for generating renewable energy.
Our twin crises of climate change and public health demand that every institution reject dirty fossil fuels that pollute our air and contribute to climate change.
If you are in the Seattle area -- Will you add your name to the petition calling on the Seattle Public School Board to commit to 100% clean energy and transition fully off fossil fuels by 2040?
If not -- are you interested in a local campaign in your area? If so, fill out the volunteer application form and select “Fossil Fuel-Free Schools” as your area of interest.
1.) Adar, SD, Davey, M, Sullivan, JR, Compher, M, Szpiro, A, Liu, Sally LJ (Oct. 2008) Predicting Airborne Particle Levels Aboard Washington State School Buses. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18985175
2.) Solomon, G.M. et al. (January 2001). No Breathing in the Aisles: Diesel Exhaust in School Buses. National Resources Defense Council. https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/schoolbus.pdf