Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $42 Million in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Illinois as Part of Investing in America Agenda
CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced the selection of three applicants to receive more than $42 million through the agency’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in six school districts across Illinois. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
Chicago Public Schools was selected to receive $20,285,017 to purchase 50 clean school buses.
Peoria Public Schools District 150 was selected to receive $5,925,000 to purchase 15 clean school buses.
Van Pool Transportation LLC - Beacon Mobility was selected to receive $15,800,000 to purchase 40 clean school buses.
In addition, Illinois is expected receive additional funding through third-party selectees that are working with multiple states.
First Student, Inc. was selected to receive $39,499,635 to purchase 100 buses in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Highland CSB 1 was selected to receive $29,365,000 to purchase 98 buses in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Student Transportation of America Inc was selected to receive $12,187,253 to purchase 32 buses in Illinois and Wisconsin.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Today’s exciting announcement reflects this Administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Great Lakes states,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Clean school buses not only provide students with safe transportation to and from school, but they also improve air quality throughout the neighborhoods they serve.”
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Grants, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represent a commitment to our children’s health and a stride towards a cleaner, greener future,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “By reducing harmful diesel pollution, we are not only safeguarding the well-being of our youth, but also investing in the sustainability of our communities. I am glad to see that Illinois School Districts will receive more than $40 million for new, all-electric school buses from these grants. This marks a significant step forward in our collective responsibility to provide a healthier and more environmentally conscious education system for generations to come.”
“Thanks to President Joe Biden’s historic Infrastructure Law, over $5 billion will be distributed through the Clean School Bus Program to replace dirty diesel school buses with clean electric buses. I am very pleased to see that Chicago Public Schools and Evanston/Skokie School District 65 will benefit from the first round of grant funding. Every child deserves a healthy future,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “This investment is a critical step in the fight against climate change and will improve air quality not only in our community, but across the nation. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to support common sense measures that protect the right of all, especially our children, to a safe and habitable climate.”
“I’m thrilled that so many communities across Illinois, including Aurora, are receiving new electric school buses with grants made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Rep. Bill Foster. “Investing in clean energy infrastructure like electric buses will improve air quality and help combat the climate crisis, all while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs.”
“Clean School Bus grants take a necessary step to ending harmful pollution from our nation’s school buses. Our students and communities deserve to breathe clean, fresh air. These grants will set the stage for the rest of our country to move away from fossil fuel and invest in clean, reliable energy that will keep our children safe,” said Rep. Mike Quigley.
“Investing in Clean Buses is an investment in our environment, in our children, and in our entire nation’s future. With these investments, Illinois communities will be a model for a sustainable future that keeps our children healthier, safer, and prepared to thrive in a changing world. I am proud to continue my close work with the Biden-Harris Administration to implement the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and build a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Rep. Robin Kelly.
“Fuel efficient school buses are not only better for our children’s health and the environment, but they also help save taxpayer money at the gas pump,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m thrilled to see this funding from the EPA come to Chicagoland – it’s a true win-win.”
“I am proud to have worked with my Illinois delegation colleagues to advocate for funding and inclusive implementation of the clean school bus program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" said Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García. "This investment in low- and no-emission school buses will help provide a cleaner, healthier future for students in Illinois and across the country.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought millions of Americans safer roads, bridges and neighborhood crosswalks. Now, it’s delivering better buses for our students and our environment,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce that the Environmental Protection Agency has selected recipients in Cahokia Heights, Decatur and East St. Louis and Granite City as recipients of their Clean School Bus Program, bringing essential funding to upgrade and replace 60 buses across Central and Southern Illinois. This investment is only the start of our work to reduce air pollution, save money for our school districts and create a healthier future for our students.”
"These grants are critical to ensuring school districts across Illinois have the tools they need to create safe and healthy learning environments for students, staff, and faculty," said Rep. Eric Sorensen. "I applaud Peoria Public Schools and all the school districts that are receiving these funds which showcase how investments in clean transportation can have a positive impact on our communities and working families."
“Illinois EPA is pleased to see so many Illinois school districts take advantage of state and federal funding opportunities and lead the way in electric school bus adoption,” said John J. Kim, director, Illinois EPA. “This significant funding for electric school buses will benefit Illinois students and communities, and the air we breathe.”
“We are thrilled to learn that the EPA has selected Chicago Public Schools to receive a federal grant to help purchase electric school buses,” said Pedro Martinez, CEO Chicago Public Schools. “This is a great move for the environment, first and foremost, and a great way to model environmentally-friendly practices for our staff and students. We look forward to completing the next steps to secure the grant and support a clean energy model of transportation to and from our schools.”
“Peoria Public Schools is honored to be selected for the EPA Clean School Bus Grant,” said Joshua Collins, director of transportation for Peoria Public Schools. “We are excited for the benefits these EV buses will bring to our students and families.”
“The well-being of our students and communities is a top priority and Beacon Mobility is grateful for the opportunity to put 40 more electric school buses on the roads,” said Judith Crawford, CEO Beacon Mobility. “Our team remains committed to expanding our hybrid and electric vehicle fleets to reduce emissions and offer safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options for students, families and schools. We thank the Environmental Protection Agency for their ongoing partnership and appreciate their efforts to put more energy efficient vehicles into production."
“We thank the EPA for these awards and for accelerating the equitable deployment of electric school buses across the U.S.,” said John Kenning, CEO and president of First Student. “First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035. As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely, but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future. We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the turn-key nature of our proposals and are excited to continue modernizing fleets and improving the environmental health of the students and communities we serve.”
“Thanks to funding from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program and support from a robust coalition of partners, we are proud to deploy electric school buses across metro, tribal, rural and suburban communities spanning five Midwest states,” said Joshua Williams, midwest regional manager, Highland Electric Fleets. “We look forward to demonstrating that all communities can access the benefits of electric school buses.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Illinois applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees.
Chicago Public Schools was selected to receive $20,285,017 to purchase 50 clean school buses.
Peoria Public Schools District 150 was selected to receive $5,925,000 to purchase 15 clean school buses.
Van Pool Transportation LLC - Beacon Mobility was selected to receive $15,800,000 to purchase 40 clean school buses.
In addition, Illinois is expected receive additional funding through third-party selectees that are working with multiple states.
First Student, Inc. was selected to receive $39,499,635 to purchase 100 buses in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Highland CSB 1 was selected to receive $29,365,000 to purchase 98 buses in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Student Transportation of America Inc was selected to receive $12,187,253 to purchase 32 buses in Illinois and Wisconsin.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Today’s exciting announcement reflects this Administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Great Lakes states,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Clean school buses not only provide students with safe transportation to and from school, but they also improve air quality throughout the neighborhoods they serve.”
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Grants, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represent a commitment to our children’s health and a stride towards a cleaner, greener future,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “By reducing harmful diesel pollution, we are not only safeguarding the well-being of our youth, but also investing in the sustainability of our communities. I am glad to see that Illinois School Districts will receive more than $40 million for new, all-electric school buses from these grants. This marks a significant step forward in our collective responsibility to provide a healthier and more environmentally conscious education system for generations to come.”
“Thanks to President Joe Biden’s historic Infrastructure Law, over $5 billion will be distributed through the Clean School Bus Program to replace dirty diesel school buses with clean electric buses. I am very pleased to see that Chicago Public Schools and Evanston/Skokie School District 65 will benefit from the first round of grant funding. Every child deserves a healthy future,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky. “This investment is a critical step in the fight against climate change and will improve air quality not only in our community, but across the nation. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to support common sense measures that protect the right of all, especially our children, to a safe and habitable climate.”
“I’m thrilled that so many communities across Illinois, including Aurora, are receiving new electric school buses with grants made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said Rep. Bill Foster. “Investing in clean energy infrastructure like electric buses will improve air quality and help combat the climate crisis, all while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs.”
“Clean School Bus grants take a necessary step to ending harmful pollution from our nation’s school buses. Our students and communities deserve to breathe clean, fresh air. These grants will set the stage for the rest of our country to move away from fossil fuel and invest in clean, reliable energy that will keep our children safe,” said Rep. Mike Quigley.
“Investing in Clean Buses is an investment in our environment, in our children, and in our entire nation’s future. With these investments, Illinois communities will be a model for a sustainable future that keeps our children healthier, safer, and prepared to thrive in a changing world. I am proud to continue my close work with the Biden-Harris Administration to implement the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and build a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Rep. Robin Kelly.
“Fuel efficient school buses are not only better for our children’s health and the environment, but they also help save taxpayer money at the gas pump,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “I’m thrilled to see this funding from the EPA come to Chicagoland – it’s a true win-win.”
“I am proud to have worked with my Illinois delegation colleagues to advocate for funding and inclusive implementation of the clean school bus program in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act" said Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García. "This investment in low- and no-emission school buses will help provide a cleaner, healthier future for students in Illinois and across the country.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought millions of Americans safer roads, bridges and neighborhood crosswalks. Now, it’s delivering better buses for our students and our environment,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce that the Environmental Protection Agency has selected recipients in Cahokia Heights, Decatur and East St. Louis and Granite City as recipients of their Clean School Bus Program, bringing essential funding to upgrade and replace 60 buses across Central and Southern Illinois. This investment is only the start of our work to reduce air pollution, save money for our school districts and create a healthier future for our students.”
"These grants are critical to ensuring school districts across Illinois have the tools they need to create safe and healthy learning environments for students, staff, and faculty," said Rep. Eric Sorensen. "I applaud Peoria Public Schools and all the school districts that are receiving these funds which showcase how investments in clean transportation can have a positive impact on our communities and working families."
“Illinois EPA is pleased to see so many Illinois school districts take advantage of state and federal funding opportunities and lead the way in electric school bus adoption,” said John J. Kim, director, Illinois EPA. “This significant funding for electric school buses will benefit Illinois students and communities, and the air we breathe.”
“We are thrilled to learn that the EPA has selected Chicago Public Schools to receive a federal grant to help purchase electric school buses,” said Pedro Martinez, CEO Chicago Public Schools. “This is a great move for the environment, first and foremost, and a great way to model environmentally-friendly practices for our staff and students. We look forward to completing the next steps to secure the grant and support a clean energy model of transportation to and from our schools.”
“Peoria Public Schools is honored to be selected for the EPA Clean School Bus Grant,” said Joshua Collins, director of transportation for Peoria Public Schools. “We are excited for the benefits these EV buses will bring to our students and families.”
“The well-being of our students and communities is a top priority and Beacon Mobility is grateful for the opportunity to put 40 more electric school buses on the roads,” said Judith Crawford, CEO Beacon Mobility. “Our team remains committed to expanding our hybrid and electric vehicle fleets to reduce emissions and offer safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options for students, families and schools. We thank the Environmental Protection Agency for their ongoing partnership and appreciate their efforts to put more energy efficient vehicles into production."
“We thank the EPA for these awards and for accelerating the equitable deployment of electric school buses across the U.S.,” said John Kenning, CEO and president of First Student. “First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035. As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely, but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future. We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the turn-key nature of our proposals and are excited to continue modernizing fleets and improving the environmental health of the students and communities we serve.”
“Thanks to funding from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program and support from a robust coalition of partners, we are proud to deploy electric school buses across metro, tribal, rural and suburban communities spanning five Midwest states,” said Joshua Williams, midwest regional manager, Highland Electric Fleets. “We look forward to demonstrating that all communities can access the benefits of electric school buses.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Illinois applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Minnesota to Receive Clean School Bus Funding as Part of Investing in America Agenda
CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Minnesota is set to receive funding through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition.
First Student Inc. was selected to receive $39,499,635 to purchase 100 clean school buses in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Highland CSB 1 was selected to receive $29,365,000 to purchase 98 buses in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in three school districts across Minnesota. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Today’s exciting announcement reflects this Administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Great Lakes states,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Clean school buses not only provide students with safe transportation to and from school, but they also improve air quality throughout the neighborhoods they serve.”
“Minnesota is receiving the federal investment it needs to bring its public transit into the clean-energy future,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Not only will these electric school buses cut greenhouse gas emissions and take care of our planet, but they also save schools money on fuel costs and reduce students’ exposure to harmful air pollutants. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are moving towards a cleaner, greener future.”
“I am so pleased that Saint Paul Public Schools will be a beneficiary of the first round of Clean School Bus grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law! Said Rep. Betty McCollum. “Accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles will improve air quality for children and our communities, while creating good-paying jobs and boosting the economy. Democrats are delivering for Minnesota.”
“I am thrilled that Minneapolis has been selected to receive two electric school buses through the EPA's Clean School Bus program, which I strongly advocated for in my letter to the agency. Transitioning away from diesel is imperative to provide our students with cleaner air, slash greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and break free of polluting fossil fuels. Providing Minneapolis youth with safe, sustainable electric buses aligns perfectly with our district's pledge to guarantee students have access to a healthy learning environment," said Rep. Omar.
“We thank the EPA for these awards and for accelerating the equitable deployment of electric school buses across the U.S.,” said First Student CEO and President John Kenning. “First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035. As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely, but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future. We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the turn-key nature of our proposals and are excited to continue modernizing fleets and improving the environmental health of the students and communities we serve.”
“Thanks to funding from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program and support from a robust coalition of partners, we are proud to deploy electric school buses across metro, tribal, rural and suburban communities spanning five Midwest states,” said Joshua Williams, Midwest Regional Manager, Highland Electric Fleets. “We look forward to demonstrating that all communities can access the benefits of electric school buses.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Illinois applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees.
First Student Inc. was selected to receive $39,499,635 to purchase 100 clean school buses in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Highland CSB 1 was selected to receive $29,365,000 to purchase 98 buses in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in three school districts across Minnesota. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Today’s exciting announcement reflects this Administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Great Lakes states,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Clean school buses not only provide students with safe transportation to and from school, but they also improve air quality throughout the neighborhoods they serve.”
“Minnesota is receiving the federal investment it needs to bring its public transit into the clean-energy future,” said Senator Tina Smith. “Not only will these electric school buses cut greenhouse gas emissions and take care of our planet, but they also save schools money on fuel costs and reduce students’ exposure to harmful air pollutants. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are moving towards a cleaner, greener future.”
“I am so pleased that Saint Paul Public Schools will be a beneficiary of the first round of Clean School Bus grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law! Said Rep. Betty McCollum. “Accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles will improve air quality for children and our communities, while creating good-paying jobs and boosting the economy. Democrats are delivering for Minnesota.”
“I am thrilled that Minneapolis has been selected to receive two electric school buses through the EPA's Clean School Bus program, which I strongly advocated for in my letter to the agency. Transitioning away from diesel is imperative to provide our students with cleaner air, slash greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and break free of polluting fossil fuels. Providing Minneapolis youth with safe, sustainable electric buses aligns perfectly with our district's pledge to guarantee students have access to a healthy learning environment," said Rep. Omar.
“We thank the EPA for these awards and for accelerating the equitable deployment of electric school buses across the U.S.,” said First Student CEO and President John Kenning. “First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035. As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely, but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future. We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the turn-key nature of our proposals and are excited to continue modernizing fleets and improving the environmental health of the students and communities we serve.”
“Thanks to funding from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program and support from a robust coalition of partners, we are proud to deploy electric school buses across metro, tribal, rural and suburban communities spanning five Midwest states,” said Joshua Williams, Midwest Regional Manager, Highland Electric Fleets. “We look forward to demonstrating that all communities can access the benefits of electric school buses.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Illinois applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees.
Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $19 million in awards for clean school buses across New Jersey as part of Investing in America Agenda
NEW YORK – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of New Jersey-based applicant to receive nearly $19 million through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in five school districts in New Jersey, including Elizabeth, Union City, Newark, Bloomfield Township and Lakewood Township. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
Van-Con, Inc. has been selected to receive nearly $19 million to purchase 42 clean school buses and 28 bus chargers.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Electric and low-emission school buses are just one important way forward to a clean and just transition,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The Clean School Bus Grants Program will create a pathway for entire school districts in our region to upgrade their bus fleets and in turn, reduce air pollution and protect public health.”
“The investments President Biden and Congressional Democrats have made are helping provide clean air, water, and a healthy environment for all Americans, all while creating jobs and strengthening the economy,” said Senator Cory Booker. “I am proud to have worked with and supported school districts up and down the state that will now be able to deploy low-emission school buses that provide cleaner air for our children and families, lower costs for school districts that can then better invest in our children’s education, and advance environmental justice for communities disproportionately harmed by toxic pollution.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is once again delivering for New Jersey. This is a great step in our effort to fight climate change, transition to green infrastructure, and protect the health of our children, while lifting the financial burden off the shoulders of our local municipalities. Securing federal grants like this one are key to my mission to make New Jersey a better, safer, and more affordable place to live,” said U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). “Thank you to the EPA for helping protect New Jersey’s environment.”
“Van-Con, Inc. and CCMT are privileged and honored to be selected by the U.S. EPA to lead this major deployment of zero emission battery electric school buses in New Jersey. This funding is going to create cleaner, healthier, and quieter communities across New Jersey, including some of the largest environmental justice districts in the state. It is also going to create jobs right here in New Jersey, as well as across the United States as the buses are made in New Jersey, Georgia, and Michigan,” said James Sherman, project developer, manager and CEO of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies LLC (CCMT).
“Van-Con Inc. has been in business for 50 years serving New Jersey’s school bus transportation needs and we welcome the shift to electric school buses,” added Jim Anderson, president of Van-Con, Inc. “They provide multiple benefits to the community and operators alike and help fight climate change. We look forward to working with the U.S. EPA, CCMT and all Boards of Education and school bus contractors involved to bring cleaner air to all New Jersey school districts.”
The Clean School Bus Program will set school districts and surrounding communities on a path to better health outcomes. Traditionally, air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions that can be linked to increased school absences. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affects communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the grantee and their utility company.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X (formerly Twitter) and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Van-Con, Inc. has been selected to receive nearly $19 million to purchase 42 clean school buses and 28 bus chargers.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Electric and low-emission school buses are just one important way forward to a clean and just transition,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “The Clean School Bus Grants Program will create a pathway for entire school districts in our region to upgrade their bus fleets and in turn, reduce air pollution and protect public health.”
“The investments President Biden and Congressional Democrats have made are helping provide clean air, water, and a healthy environment for all Americans, all while creating jobs and strengthening the economy,” said Senator Cory Booker. “I am proud to have worked with and supported school districts up and down the state that will now be able to deploy low-emission school buses that provide cleaner air for our children and families, lower costs for school districts that can then better invest in our children’s education, and advance environmental justice for communities disproportionately harmed by toxic pollution.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is once again delivering for New Jersey. This is a great step in our effort to fight climate change, transition to green infrastructure, and protect the health of our children, while lifting the financial burden off the shoulders of our local municipalities. Securing federal grants like this one are key to my mission to make New Jersey a better, safer, and more affordable place to live,” said U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11). “Thank you to the EPA for helping protect New Jersey’s environment.”
“Van-Con, Inc. and CCMT are privileged and honored to be selected by the U.S. EPA to lead this major deployment of zero emission battery electric school buses in New Jersey. This funding is going to create cleaner, healthier, and quieter communities across New Jersey, including some of the largest environmental justice districts in the state. It is also going to create jobs right here in New Jersey, as well as across the United States as the buses are made in New Jersey, Georgia, and Michigan,” said James Sherman, project developer, manager and CEO of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies LLC (CCMT).
“Van-Con Inc. has been in business for 50 years serving New Jersey’s school bus transportation needs and we welcome the shift to electric school buses,” added Jim Anderson, president of Van-Con, Inc. “They provide multiple benefits to the community and operators alike and help fight climate change. We look forward to working with the U.S. EPA, CCMT and all Boards of Education and school bus contractors involved to bring cleaner air to all New Jersey school districts.”
The Clean School Bus Program will set school districts and surrounding communities on a path to better health outcomes. Traditionally, air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions that can be linked to increased school absences. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affects communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the grantee and their utility company.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X (formerly Twitter) and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
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Biden-Harris Administration announces nearly $1B in awards for clean school buses across the nation as part of Investing in America Agenda
WASHINGTON – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of 67 applicants to receive nearly $1 billion through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase over 2,700 clean school buses in 280 school districts serving over 7 million students across 37 states. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
With today’s announcement, EPA’s Clean School Bus Program has awarded nearly $2 billion and funded approximately 5,000 electric and low-emission school buses nationwide.
“Every school day, 25 million children ride our nation’s largest form of mass transit: the school bus. The vast majority of those buses run on diesel, exposing students, teachers, and bus drivers to toxic air pollution,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “Today, we are announcing nearly $1 billion to fund clean school buses across the nation. As part of our work to tackle the climate crisis, the historic funding we are announcing today is an investment in our children, their health, and their education. It also strengthens our economy by investing in American manufacturing and America’s workforce.”
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, as the wheels of the new, electric school buses go round and round, carbon emissions and pollution are going to keep going down and down,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage so communities across the country will have the federal funding needed to combat climate change, and now, for the second year in a row, this major investment sets the wheels in motion to put new electric school buses on the road, curbing carbon emissions, decreasing pollution, and improving the air quality for students and communities across America. I am proud to deliver this tremendous environmental justice investment that will carry our students to a brighter future, emissions free.”
“The Biden Administration continues to honor their commitment to the health and wellbeing of our children by investing in the transformation of our national school bus fleets with zero-emission and low-emission models,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). “With nearly $1 billion in investment already made, school districts in rural and urban America have eagerly taken advantage of this program. Through this latest round of investment, even more school districts will be able to provide cleaner air for students, school staff, and for the communities they serve.”
“Since I came to Congress in 2019, I have advocated for clean school bus funding and tirelessly fought for inclusion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Educators know how damaging diesel exhaust can be for students and our communities. The nearly $1 billion investment, announced by the Biden-Harris Administration today, will save Connecticut school districts money, create good-paying clean energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protecting people and the planet. It is great to see how these efforts will impact over seven million students across the nation. This is a huge win for our state and our country.” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05).
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier applicants to receive this historic investment in their community. Funds are slated to support the purchase of approximately 2,700 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to selectees in 37 states. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas, and propane buses that produce zero tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors, with a requirement that at least half of the funding go toward zero-emitting school buses.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Grantees.
With today’s announcement, EPA’s Clean School Bus Program has awarded nearly $2 billion and funded approximately 5,000 electric and low-emission school buses nationwide.
“Every school day, 25 million children ride our nation’s largest form of mass transit: the school bus. The vast majority of those buses run on diesel, exposing students, teachers, and bus drivers to toxic air pollution,” said Vice President Kamala Harris. “Today, we are announcing nearly $1 billion to fund clean school buses across the nation. As part of our work to tackle the climate crisis, the historic funding we are announcing today is an investment in our children, their health, and their education. It also strengthens our economy by investing in American manufacturing and America’s workforce.”
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, as the wheels of the new, electric school buses go round and round, carbon emissions and pollution are going to keep going down and down,” said Senator Chuck Schumer (NY). “I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage so communities across the country will have the federal funding needed to combat climate change, and now, for the second year in a row, this major investment sets the wheels in motion to put new electric school buses on the road, curbing carbon emissions, decreasing pollution, and improving the air quality for students and communities across America. I am proud to deliver this tremendous environmental justice investment that will carry our students to a brighter future, emissions free.”
“The Biden Administration continues to honor their commitment to the health and wellbeing of our children by investing in the transformation of our national school bus fleets with zero-emission and low-emission models,” said Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). “With nearly $1 billion in investment already made, school districts in rural and urban America have eagerly taken advantage of this program. Through this latest round of investment, even more school districts will be able to provide cleaner air for students, school staff, and for the communities they serve.”
“Since I came to Congress in 2019, I have advocated for clean school bus funding and tirelessly fought for inclusion in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Educators know how damaging diesel exhaust can be for students and our communities. The nearly $1 billion investment, announced by the Biden-Harris Administration today, will save Connecticut school districts money, create good-paying clean energy jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protecting people and the planet. It is great to see how these efforts will impact over seven million students across the nation. This is a huge win for our state and our country.” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05).
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier applicants to receive this historic investment in their community. Funds are slated to support the purchase of approximately 2,700 buses, 95% of which will be electric. EPA will distribute awards to selectees in 37 states. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas, and propane buses that produce zero tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors, with a requirement that at least half of the funding go toward zero-emitting school buses.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Grantees.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces at least $17.1M in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Virginia as Part of Investing in America Agenda
PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 8, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the selection of two applicants in Virginia to receive more than $17.1 million through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition.
The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Virginia.
By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
Fairfax County Public Schools has been selected to receive $16,590,000 to purchase 42 electric school buses.
Newport News Public Schools has been selected to receive $525,000 to purchase 15 propane school buses.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
"These grants are further proof of EPA's commitment to protect children, improve air quality, and contribute directly to communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "These once-in-a-generation infrastructure investments will have lasting impacts."
“Time and time again, we are seeing how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I helped pass is making a difference in communities across Virginia,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad that Fairfax County and Newport News Public Schools are receiving funding for clean buses, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment.”
“I am thrilled to see Fairfax and Newport News Public Schools receive funding to invest in electric and low-emission school buses,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “This funding will usher in a cleaner, healthier future for our students and communities as a whole.”
“Today’s announcement is a gamechanger for Fairfax County, home to one of the largest school districts in the country,” said U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11). “The environmental benefits of these new buses are vitally important to our fight against climate change, but the good news doesn’t stop there. Students, staff, and parents who spend time on and around school buses will no longer be exposed to diesel exhaust and other toxins from diesel-powered buses. This is a great day for Northern Virginia, brought to you proudly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden.”
“I congratulate Newport News Public Schools on being selected for the first Clean School Bus Grants Competition from the EPA,” said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-3). “Low and zero-emissions school buses ensure that our children breathe cleaner air both during their commutes and in their neighborhoods. This will create good green jobs, combat the climate crisis and improve the health of our students and their communities.”
“We are honored and excited to be among the recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Awards,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. “This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also reflects our ongoing efforts to provide healthier, cleaner transportation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students.”
“These awards will greatly assist us in our commitment to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet, aligning with our goal of reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency in student transportation,” said Karl Frisch, Chair of the Fairfax County School Board. “We thank the EPA for this opportunity and will leverage these resources to make a positive impact on our community and the environment."
“Newport News Public Schools is honored to earn a 2023 EPA Clean School Bus Program Grant Award to increase the number of propane-fueled school buses in our fleet,” said Shay Coates, Executive Director of Pupil Transportation for Newport News Public Schools. “Propane not only reduces emissions, but also saves our district thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs each year.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Virginia applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replaces existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024.
EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane buses that produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded nationally today to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Virginia.
By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
Fairfax County Public Schools has been selected to receive $16,590,000 to purchase 42 electric school buses.
Newport News Public Schools has been selected to receive $525,000 to purchase 15 propane school buses.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
"These grants are further proof of EPA's commitment to protect children, improve air quality, and contribute directly to communities," said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. "These once-in-a-generation infrastructure investments will have lasting impacts."
“Time and time again, we are seeing how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law I helped pass is making a difference in communities across Virginia,” said U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m glad that Fairfax County and Newport News Public Schools are receiving funding for clean buses, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment.”
“I am thrilled to see Fairfax and Newport News Public Schools receive funding to invest in electric and low-emission school buses,” said U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). “This funding will usher in a cleaner, healthier future for our students and communities as a whole.”
“Today’s announcement is a gamechanger for Fairfax County, home to one of the largest school districts in the country,” said U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11). “The environmental benefits of these new buses are vitally important to our fight against climate change, but the good news doesn’t stop there. Students, staff, and parents who spend time on and around school buses will no longer be exposed to diesel exhaust and other toxins from diesel-powered buses. This is a great day for Northern Virginia, brought to you proudly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Biden.”
“I congratulate Newport News Public Schools on being selected for the first Clean School Bus Grants Competition from the EPA,” said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-3). “Low and zero-emissions school buses ensure that our children breathe cleaner air both during their commutes and in their neighborhoods. This will create good green jobs, combat the climate crisis and improve the health of our students and their communities.”
“We are honored and excited to be among the recipients of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Awards,” said Dr. Michelle Reid, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools. “This recognition not only underscores our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship but also reflects our ongoing efforts to provide healthier, cleaner transportation for all Fairfax County Public Schools students.”
“These awards will greatly assist us in our commitment to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet, aligning with our goal of reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency in student transportation,” said Karl Frisch, Chair of the Fairfax County School Board. “We thank the EPA for this opportunity and will leverage these resources to make a positive impact on our community and the environment."
“Newport News Public Schools is honored to earn a 2023 EPA Clean School Bus Program Grant Award to increase the number of propane-fueled school buses in our fleet,” said Shay Coates, Executive Director of Pupil Transportation for Newport News Public Schools. “Propane not only reduces emissions, but also saves our district thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs each year.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Virginia applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replaces existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024.
EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane buses that produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and large number of high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded nationally today to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, advance environmental justice, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $90 Million Across California for Clean School Buses as Part of the Investing in America Agenda
SAN FRANCISCO – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the selection of five applicants in California to receive over $88 million through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. The awards, made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in eight school districts across California. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
Zum Services Inc. has been selected to receive $26,579,482 to purchase 80 clean school buses.
Porterville Unified School District has been selected to receive $13,856,664 to purchase 35 clean school buses.
Los Angeles Unified School District has been selected to receive $19,750,000 to purchase 50 clean school buses.
San Diego Unified School District has been selected to receive $12,431,000 to purchase 30 clean school buses.
Kern High School District has been selected to receive $15,405,000 to purchase 39 clean school buses.
In addition, California is expected to receive additional funding through third-party selectees working with multiple states.
First Student Inc. is receiving $15,775,000 to purchase 45 buses in California and Arizona.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“San Francisco has long been a model for the nation in building a cleaner, greener future,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – passed by the Democratic Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden two years ago – this Clean School Bus grant from the Environmental Protection Agency will provide 37 pollution-free school buses to San Francisco. This new funding will not only make San Francisco cleaner for our children, but it will also help pave the way for a brighter future for our City.”
“California’s 12th district has led the way on zero-emission buses, and today’s announcement continues that trend,” stated Representative Barbara Lee. “The climate crisis is here, and we must do everything in our power to curtail its impacts. I’m pleased the EPA chose to invest in expanding Oakland and Alameda’s Unified school district’s electric bus fleet, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration to address the climate crisis with the urgency it deserves.”
“EPA’s Clean School Bus grant for First Student, Inc. is great news for our kids and our climate,” said Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán. “These new electric buses funded by the Jobs and Infrastructure Law will cut harmful diesel emissions for communities in Long Beach burdened with high rates of pollution and childhood asthma. It’s a win for public health and a win for our fight against the climate crisis.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for communities across America, including San Diego,” said Representative Scott Peters. “This $12.4 million grant is a win for our planet, our students’ health, and the San Diego Unified School District. I look forward to celebrating with students, parents, and local leaders when I am back in San Diego.”
"We commend the Administration's tireless work to advance the acceleration of student transportation into a green era,” stated Zum Founder and CEO Ritu Narayan. “Our goal is to ensure that all students have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation, and this grant award will propel our electrification efforts in many of the districts we serve. We are grateful and honored to be a part of this initiative."
“Los Angeles Unified is honored to accept the U.S. EPA Clean School Bus Grant,” Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “This $19.75M grant award will greatly help us move toward electrification and away from fossil fuels in transportation. This important investment will also provide cleaner air for our students and the communities we serve.”
“First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035,” shared Chris Bokelman, Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications at First Student, Inc. “As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future.”
"Receiving the Clean School Bus grant is a milestone for Porterville Unified School District,” expressed Dr. Brad Rohrbach, Ed.D., Porterville Unified School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. “This grant enables us to advance our 'Striving to Be 1st to 0' initiative, transitioning to a cleaner, more efficient transportation system while empowering our students and community through educational programs and hands-on involvement. We're thrilled to embark on this journey, reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable future for our students."
“This award will provide funding for our district to take the needed steps to reduce diesel tailpipe emissions and improve human health by replacing 30 diesel school buses with zero-emission school buses, benefitting not only the students being transported but also the district staff operating the buses and the local communities where the buses operate,” shared John Burciaga, Fleet Maintenance Manager for San Diego Unified School District. “Our school district appreciates the EPA for providing the funds that will make this purchase possible.”
The Clean School Bus Program has far-reaching effects on school districts and their communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive daily.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top-tier California applicants to receive this historic investment. Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template, which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. The total amounts awarded and the number of buses may be adjusted as grants are finalized. EPA is partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider knows the district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those who did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees must submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future funding rounds, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions and propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost-saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets by replacing existing buses with new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the funding awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities comprise approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the complete list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and X.
Zum Services Inc. has been selected to receive $26,579,482 to purchase 80 clean school buses.
Porterville Unified School District has been selected to receive $13,856,664 to purchase 35 clean school buses.
Los Angeles Unified School District has been selected to receive $19,750,000 to purchase 50 clean school buses.
San Diego Unified School District has been selected to receive $12,431,000 to purchase 30 clean school buses.
Kern High School District has been selected to receive $15,405,000 to purchase 39 clean school buses.
In addition, California is expected to receive additional funding through third-party selectees working with multiple states.
First Student Inc. is receiving $15,775,000 to purchase 45 buses in California and Arizona.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“San Francisco has long been a model for the nation in building a cleaner, greener future,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “Thanks to our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – passed by the Democratic Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden two years ago – this Clean School Bus grant from the Environmental Protection Agency will provide 37 pollution-free school buses to San Francisco. This new funding will not only make San Francisco cleaner for our children, but it will also help pave the way for a brighter future for our City.”
“California’s 12th district has led the way on zero-emission buses, and today’s announcement continues that trend,” stated Representative Barbara Lee. “The climate crisis is here, and we must do everything in our power to curtail its impacts. I’m pleased the EPA chose to invest in expanding Oakland and Alameda’s Unified school district’s electric bus fleet, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration to address the climate crisis with the urgency it deserves.”
“EPA’s Clean School Bus grant for First Student, Inc. is great news for our kids and our climate,” said Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán. “These new electric buses funded by the Jobs and Infrastructure Law will cut harmful diesel emissions for communities in Long Beach burdened with high rates of pollution and childhood asthma. It’s a win for public health and a win for our fight against the climate crisis.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for communities across America, including San Diego,” said Representative Scott Peters. “This $12.4 million grant is a win for our planet, our students’ health, and the San Diego Unified School District. I look forward to celebrating with students, parents, and local leaders when I am back in San Diego.”
"We commend the Administration's tireless work to advance the acceleration of student transportation into a green era,” stated Zum Founder and CEO Ritu Narayan. “Our goal is to ensure that all students have access to safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation, and this grant award will propel our electrification efforts in many of the districts we serve. We are grateful and honored to be a part of this initiative."
“Los Angeles Unified is honored to accept the U.S. EPA Clean School Bus Grant,” Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “This $19.75M grant award will greatly help us move toward electrification and away from fossil fuels in transportation. This important investment will also provide cleaner air for our students and the communities we serve.”
“First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035,” shared Chris Bokelman, Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications at First Student, Inc. “As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future.”
"Receiving the Clean School Bus grant is a milestone for Porterville Unified School District,” expressed Dr. Brad Rohrbach, Ed.D., Porterville Unified School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. “This grant enables us to advance our 'Striving to Be 1st to 0' initiative, transitioning to a cleaner, more efficient transportation system while empowering our students and community through educational programs and hands-on involvement. We're thrilled to embark on this journey, reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a sustainable future for our students."
“This award will provide funding for our district to take the needed steps to reduce diesel tailpipe emissions and improve human health by replacing 30 diesel school buses with zero-emission school buses, benefitting not only the students being transported but also the district staff operating the buses and the local communities where the buses operate,” shared John Burciaga, Fleet Maintenance Manager for San Diego Unified School District. “Our school district appreciates the EPA for providing the funds that will make this purchase possible.”
The Clean School Bus Program has far-reaching effects on school districts and their communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive daily.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top-tier California applicants to receive this historic investment. Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template, which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. The total amounts awarded and the number of buses may be adjusted as grants are finalized. EPA is partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider knows the district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those who did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees must submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future funding rounds, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions and propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost-saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets by replacing existing buses with new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations, and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the funding awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities comprise approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the complete list of Clean School Bus grantees here.
Learn more about EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook and X.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Wisconsin to Receive Clean School Bus Funding as Part of Investing in America Agenda
CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wisconsin is set to receive funding through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition.
First Student Inc. has been selected to receive $39,499,635 to purchase 100 buses in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Highland CSB 1 has been selected to receive $29,365,000 to purchase 98 buses in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Student Transportation of America Inc has been selected to receive $12,187,253 to purchase up to 32 buses in Illinois and Wisconsin.
The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Wisconsin. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Today’s exciting announcement reflects this Administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Great Lakes states,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Clean school buses not only provide students with safe transportation to and from school, but they also improve air quality throughout the neighborhoods they serve.”
“Here in Wisconsin, we know that building 21st-century infrastructure, investing in clean, electric transportation options and jobs, and mitigating climate change go hand-in-hand, and we’ve been working hard over the past five years to connect the dots and ensure our state, our economy, and our workforce are ready to meet the needs of the 21st century,” said Governor Tony Evers. “These investments, supported by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help continue our efforts, helping reduce harmful pollution and protecting our kids’ health today and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for tomorrow.”
“Investing in electric or low-emission buses is a win for our environment, will lower fuel costs for communities, and help keep our neighbors healthy,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because I knew it would make a difference for Wisconsin families — helping us tackle climate change and creating a healthier, cleaner future for our kids.”
“Clean Milwaukee Public School buses will mean lower carbon emissions, cleaner air, and healthier environments for our children to grow up and thrive. These many benefits for our communities are why I am so excited about this grant," said Rep. Gwen Moore.
“Madison’s Public School students deserve to have the best buses to get to school,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, Madison Metropolitan School Department is receiving five new electric and low-emission school buses, keeping our planet healthy and air clean for the next generation. Thank you to the Biden-Harris Administration for awarding Madison’s students with these top-of-the-line school buses.”
“We thank the EPA for these awards and for accelerating the equitable deployment of electric school buses across the U.S.,” said John Kenning, CEO and president of First Student. “First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035. As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely, but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future. We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the turn-key nature of our proposals and are excited to continue modernizing fleets and improving the environmental health of the students and communities we serve.”
“Thanks to funding from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program and support from a robust coalition of partners, we are proud to deploy electric school buses across metro, tribal, rural and suburban communities spanning five Midwest states,” said Joshua Williams, midwest regional manager of Highland Electric Fleets. “We look forward to demonstrating that all communities can access the benefits of electric school buses.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Illinois applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees.
First Student Inc. has been selected to receive $39,499,635 to purchase 100 buses in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Highland CSB 1 has been selected to receive $29,365,000 to purchase 98 buses in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Student Transportation of America Inc has been selected to receive $12,187,253 to purchase up to 32 buses in Illinois and Wisconsin.
The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Wisconsin. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.”
“Today’s exciting announcement reflects this Administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of children throughout the Great Lakes states,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “Clean school buses not only provide students with safe transportation to and from school, but they also improve air quality throughout the neighborhoods they serve.”
“Here in Wisconsin, we know that building 21st-century infrastructure, investing in clean, electric transportation options and jobs, and mitigating climate change go hand-in-hand, and we’ve been working hard over the past five years to connect the dots and ensure our state, our economy, and our workforce are ready to meet the needs of the 21st century,” said Governor Tony Evers. “These investments, supported by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help continue our efforts, helping reduce harmful pollution and protecting our kids’ health today and ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for tomorrow.”
“Investing in electric or low-emission buses is a win for our environment, will lower fuel costs for communities, and help keep our neighbors healthy,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law because I knew it would make a difference for Wisconsin families — helping us tackle climate change and creating a healthier, cleaner future for our kids.”
“Clean Milwaukee Public School buses will mean lower carbon emissions, cleaner air, and healthier environments for our children to grow up and thrive. These many benefits for our communities are why I am so excited about this grant," said Rep. Gwen Moore.
“Madison’s Public School students deserve to have the best buses to get to school,” said Rep. Mark Pocan. “Thanks to the Infrastructure Law, Madison Metropolitan School Department is receiving five new electric and low-emission school buses, keeping our planet healthy and air clean for the next generation. Thank you to the Biden-Harris Administration for awarding Madison’s students with these top-of-the-line school buses.”
“We thank the EPA for these awards and for accelerating the equitable deployment of electric school buses across the U.S.,” said John Kenning, CEO and president of First Student. “First Student looks forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA as we work to fulfill our commitment to convert 30,000 diesel school buses with clean, electric-powered school buses by 2035. As the largest student transportation provider in the country and the leading operator of electric school buses, our team has the resources and expertise to not only bring students to and from school safely, but also work with school districts, utilities, and municipalities to build the necessary charging and maintenance infrastructure for the future. We appreciate the EPA’s recognition of the turn-key nature of our proposals and are excited to continue modernizing fleets and improving the environmental health of the students and communities we serve.”
“Thanks to funding from the EPA Clean School Bus Grant Program and support from a robust coalition of partners, we are proud to deploy electric school buses across metro, tribal, rural and suburban communities spanning five Midwest states,” said Joshua Williams, midwest regional manager of Highland Electric Fleets. “We look forward to demonstrating that all communities can access the benefits of electric school buses.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Illinois applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
Proactive and ongoing communication with key stakeholders, like school boards and local utilities, is critical to successful bus and infrastructure deployment. To ensure the successful implementation of the selected projects funding electric buses and charging infrastructure, EPA has created a Utility Partnership Template which encourages early and robust engagement between the applicant and their utility company. Additional details can be found in the Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Clean School Bus Program Website.
Grantees will work with their EPA Regional Project Officers to finalize project plans and purchase their awarded new buses and eligible infrastructure. As grants are finalized, total amounts awarded and number of buses may be adjusted. EPA is also partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide grantees with robust technical assistance to ensure effective implementation. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus Program, created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses, and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replace existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
EPA is currently accepting applications for the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 31, 2024. EPA encourages applicants not selected for the 2023 Clean School Bus Grant Program – and those that did not apply – to participate in current and future funding rounds. Once the application period for the 2023 rebate program closes and the school districts selected are notified, school districts can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure. Selectees will need to submit Payment Request Forms with purchase orders demonstrating they have ordered new buses and eligible infrastructure. After the selectees submit the proper forms, they will be eligible to receive rebate funds. All selectees must submit a Utility Partnership Agreement to verify that the school district’s electric utility provider is aware of the school district’s rebate application.
To learn more about the 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program, applicant eligibility, selection process, and informational webinar dates for future rounds of funding, visit the Clean School Bus Program website. Questions about applying for funding may be directed to cleanschoolbus@epa.gov. Questions about Clean School Bus Program technical assistance may be directed to CleanSchoolBusTA@nrel.gov.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was adopted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds electric buses, producing zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Efforts to minimize the effects of these older diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
In April 2023, EPA announced the availability of at least $400 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus Grants through a Notice of Funding Opportunity. The grant application period closed in August 2023 with an outstanding response from applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission school buses. Given the overwhelming demand and high-scoring applications, including applicants in low-income communities, Tribal nations and territories, EPA has nearly doubled the amount of funding that will be awarded this round to approximately $965 million. These awards follow over $875 million obligated to new buses from the Clean School Bus Program’s 2022 Rebates, which funded the replacement of 2,366 buses at 372 school districts to further improve air quality in and around schools, to reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future.
Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and/or Tribal communities make up approximately 86% of the projects selected for funding. The program delivers on President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved and overburdened by pollution.
For more information, please email CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
View the full list of Clean School Bus grantees.
HMM boosts India-USEC capacity by signing onto ONE’s new WIN service
HMM has opened an array of connections out of India in recent years, including the launch last August of a solo, 12-vessel string connecting the Far East, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.