Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On May 29, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. Funded by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, these rebates will facilitate the purchase of 116 clean school buses across 18 school districts in Virginia.
The program aims to expedite Virginia's transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older diesel-fueled school buses linked to asthma and other health conditions affecting students and surrounding communities. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan is set to join schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to discuss how this initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and enhance children's health. The investment is also expected to drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create jobs.
Loudoun County Public Schools will receive $3,975,000 for 25 clean school buses. Fredericksburg City Public Schools will get $3,490,000 for ten buses. Henrico County Public Schools will obtain $3,450,000 for ten buses. Other districts receiving funding include Westmoreland County ($2,070,000), Brunswick County ($1,725,000), Martinsville City ($1,725,000), Wise County ($1,725,000), Northampton County ($1,380,000), Manassas City ($1,200,000), Arlington County ($1,020,000), Culpeper County ($800,000), Lee County ($690,000), Harrisonburg City ($6000), Virginia Beach City ($4500), Charlottesville City ($4200), Alexandria City ($4000), Augusta County ($4000) and Falls Church City Public Schools which has been selected to receive $4000.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding... we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet.”
EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz added: “Today’s announcement will improve outcomes for human health... Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law... students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride on buses that produce zero emissions.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) expressed his support: “I’m thrilled to see this federal funding headed to Virginia.” Similarly enthusiastic was U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA): “This will help reduce emissions and protect our air.”
In September 2023,the EPA announced at least $500 million available for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates.The application period closed in February 2024 with significant interest from school districts nationwide.Given the overwhelming demand,the EPA doubled the available funding to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding builds on previous investments via the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants,to further improve air quality around schools,reducing greenhouse gas pollution,and accelerating America's leadership in developing clean vehicles.
The selections announced today cover funds allocated to school districts in 47 states plus Washington D.C., along with several federally recognized Tribes and U.S territories.Prioritized projects in low-income,rural,and Tribal communities make up approximately 45% of selected projects,and they will receive about 67% of total funding.This aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aiming to deliver benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation providing robust technical assistance ensuring effective implementation.Additional awards may be made as applications continue being reviewed,and further selections through additional rounds of funding are anticipated.EPA encourages participation from those not selected or who did not apply previously,in currently open programs like the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program offering up to $932 million until July 25th.
About The Clean School Bus Program
Created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,the Clean School Bus Program provides unprecedented $5 billion funding transforming national fleet of school buses.It funds electric buses producing zero tailpipe emissions as well as propane/CNG buses producing lower emissions compared older diesel predecessors.Reducing diesel air pollution linked asthma/other conditions harming student health especially communities color/Tribal areas.Phase-out ensures cleaner air benefiting students,bus drivers/school staff near loading areas/communities through which buses travel daily.Reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps address transportation sector's role fueling climate crisis.Program saves money upgrading fleets replacing existing ones new zero-emission/clean buses freeing resources needed schools.View full list awards on CSB Awards webpage.
