Cherokee Nation on Monday held an unveiling for three new electric buses, the first of several events in a week of Earth Day recognitions.
“The Cherokee Nation has always been a leader in environmental conservation and forward-thinking efforts that will reduce harmful activities impacting our natural resources,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. in a statement. “As we work to reduce our carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2027, we are wisely investing in sustainable projects that will have many long-term benefits. Our responsibility as stewards of the land, air and water will always be one of our most signficant values, and introducing these eco-friendly transit vehicles into our fleet is an example of how we can make a great difference in our environment.”
Two of the buses are meant to serve as transit vehicles for routes serving Tahlequah, Catoosa, West Siloam Springs and Stilwell. The third is a school bus that will transport students to and from Sequoyah High School.
Cherokee Nation said the buses and their charging stations were paid for, in part, by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded in 2018.
Other events scheduled around Earth Day, which is Thursday, include a bee conservation celebration, an e-waste and battery recycling event, a solar panel installation, and a giveaway of 500 seedling trees. More information is available at the Tribe's website.
