The Utah Transit Authority has been awarded more than $18 million by the Federal Transit Administration to replace old diesel-powered buses with a new electric fleet. This grant is part of a program aimed at promoting low- and no-emission buses and facilities. The initiative aims to reduce harmful emissions and serve disadvantaged communities in Salt Lake County. The funding is expected to enable the purchase of around 15 battery-electric buses, set to operate from the authority's Meadowbrook facility in South Salt Lake. The director of innovative mobility solutions at UTA, Hal Johnson, mentioned that the new electric buses will join the existing fleet of 34 electric buses, with plans for further expansion. By 2027, the buses are anticipated to be operational, primarily serving cities in western Salt Lake County like West Valley City and Taylorsville. UTA aims to increase the number of electric buses to 200 by 2034. Electrifying the buses is not only about emission reduction but also contributes to energy efficiency. The power sources for these buses could vary from renewable energy to coal. This shift to electric buses is part of a broader state transportation strategy, with a focus on electric transportation transition. The funding from the Federal Transit Administration is part of a larger $1.5 billion initiative to support 117 public transportation projects across 47 states. The investment in low- and no-emission transit buses is part of the Biden administration's transportation emissions reductions strategy, aiming to create jobs, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality. High Valley Transit District also received funding to replace and expand its diesel fleet with new battery electric buses, aligning with the national goal of modernizing transportation with clean energy technologies.