El Monte, CA – El Monte Union High School District students and community members explored the latest in clean air initiatives and cutting-edge clean energy transportation options during the District’s Clean Mobility Info Fair, held in partnership with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), on April 20, 2023.

During the event, attendees were treated to information booths on environmental sustainability and tours of the District’s new electric school buses and ride-share vehicles. Longo Toyota-Lexus also wowed the crowd with a display of electric and hydrogen-powered cars.

“In celebration of today’s Earth Day event, we are here to represent our school’s Ecology Club, which is known for promoting environmental friendliness throughout our campus and community,” Rosemead High School senior Kent Chen said. “We recycle everything, from water bottles to paper, to ensure our school is kept clean and host park and beach clean-ups for our community to support. We believe this event will help everyone understand the importance of taking care of our planet.”

Members of El Monte Union’s green clubs were also invited to share information on the initiatives and activities they have created in order to achieve green sustainability.

“What a fantastic opportunity for the El Monte Union community to continue in their mission of protecting our planet and to learn more about the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project,” CARB Board Member Hector De La Torre said during the event. “This project is a great example of how we can use clean transportation to reduce air pollution and improve the health of our communities. At CARB, every day is Earth Day and by introducing electric vehicles and clean air initiatives into our schools, we can reduce emissions and provide a healthier environment for students.”

In 2020, El Monte Union was awarded a $9.8 million grant by CARB to fund a menu of Clean Mobility measures that promote the use of zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation options for students, parents and staff, with the added benefit of a pilot career technical education curriculum that aims to engage students in clean energy career pathways.

The Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project transformed mobility for EMUHSD. The grant funded electric school buses that allows the District to transport more students to, from and around schools and the ride-share vehicles and utility maintenance carts received have made for more sustainable campuses.

Additionally, the District is prepared to plan for a more holistic active transportation system that ensures safety and alleviates traffic congestion.

“We are extremely proud to be one of four statewide grantees and to be leading the way in sustainability for our current and future students,” Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga said. “I want to thank CARB, our project partners in the private sector, and our amazing staff for working together to host this informative and engaging event today as well as allowing our District’s project to serve as an impactful model for other school communities.”

For more information, please visit the District’s Clean Mobility in School’s Project website www.emuhsdmobility.com.

For a deeper look into the Earth Day celebration, visit bit.ly/MobilityInfoFair to watch a recap video.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EMUHSD_CLEAN MOBILITY INFO FAIR_1: El Monte Union students learn about Longo Toyota-Lexus electric and hydrogen-powered cars during the District’s Clean Mobility Info Fair on April 20, 2023.

EMUHSD_CLEAN MOBILITY INFO FAIR_2: In celebration of Earth Day, Rosemead High School’s Ecology Club members promote environmental friendliness to the community during El Monte Union’s Clean Mobility Info Fair event held April 20.

EMUHSD_CLEAN MOBILITY INFO FAIR_3: El Monte Union students browse the inside of a Longo Toyota-Lexus’ electric and hydrogen-powered car during the District’s Clean Mobility Info Fair on April 20. The event was an opportunity for students and community members to explore the latest in clean air initiatives and cutting-edge clean energy transportation options.

EMUHSD_CLEAN MOBILITY INFO FAIR_4: El Monte Union Students receive information on how to apply for a free GoPass TAP card for unlimited rides on Metro bus and rail during the District’s Clean Mobility Info Fair held April 20.