The city of Phoenix is seeking a $29.2 million federal grant to provide more low- or no-emissions buses to the city.

Last year Phoenix rolled out 20 hybrid-electric buses to help the city reach its goal of a zero-emissions fleet by 2040. Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to apply for the grant funding that would take another step toward that goal.

“Electrifying our bus system is one step that the city can take to do its part to improve our air quality,” Councilmember Anna Hernandez said during Wednesday’s council meeting.

Hernandez noted the poor air quality in Maricopa County, saying it disproportionately affects people of color and particularly impacts the 899,786 people in Maricopa County that live with pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

Councilmember Laura

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