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Cherokee Nation Kicks Off Week Of Earth Day Events With Debut Of Electric Buses

Cherokee Nation
Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. at a dedication ceremony for three electric buses in Tahlequah on Monday, April 19.

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 astatement. “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.

Chris joined Public Radio Tulsa as a news anchor and reporter in April 2020. He’s a graduate of Hunter College and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, both at the City University of New York.
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