Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) said her funding efforts have resulted in legislation that has the Environmental Protection Agency granting a rebate for greener school buses in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
The EPA's Clean School Bus rebate program, which was established as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill Sherrill helped pass, will work on replacing buses in municipalities around New Jersey with new electric buses, Sherrill's office said in a release.
"I am proud to have supported the American Rescue Plan and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, which are helping New Jersey schools replace old diesel buses with low or zero-emission buses, starting with Parsippany here in my district," Sherrill said in the release, "This is a great step in our effort to fight climate change, transition to green infrastructure, and protect the health of our children."
The legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also reducing diesel soot, which can have a negative effect on kids' lungs and asthma symptoms, Sherrill's office said.
"I can't wait to see these low-emission buses at my local school bus stop," Sherrill said.
The upcoming $5 billion investment in greener school buses will change how students travel and will contribute to the next generation of American students' well-being, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in the release.
The Clean School Bus rebate program is only the first of the legislation's numerous benefits, Regan said.
