The Biden-Harris Administration announced today 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. The rebates will assist selectees in purchasing 213 clean school buses across 21 school districts in Pennsylvania. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older, diesel-fueled school buses linked to asthma and other health conditions.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, to make the announcement and highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and protect children’s health. The investment is also expected to drive demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, boost domestic manufacturing, and create jobs.
Several Pennsylvania school districts have been selected for substantial rebate funding:
- Bethlehem Area SD: $2 million for 10 clean school buses.
- Reading SD: $8.985 million for 25 clean school buses.
- Wilkes-Barre Area SD: $1.38 million for four clean school buses.
- Erie City SD: $4.14 million for 12 clean school buses.
- Philadelphia City SD: $8.965 million for 25 clean school buses.
- Pine-Richland SD: $600,000 for three clean school buses.
- Greater Johnstown SD: $3.45 million for 10 clean school buses.
- Unionville-Chadds Ford SD: $1 million for five clean school buses.
- Rose Tree Media SD: $1 million for five clean school buses.
- Valley View SD: $2 million for 10 clean school buses.
- Woodland Hills SD: $7.37 million for 22 clean school buses.
- Lake-Lehman SD: $1 million for five clean school buses.
- South Fayette Township SD: $1.4 million for seven clean school buses.
- Bethel Park SD: $2 million for 10 clean school buses.
- Northwest Area SD: $3 million for 15 clean school buses.
- Moon Area SD: $1.2 million for six clean school buses.
- Mid Valley SD: $1 million for five clean school buses.
- Homer-Center SD: $25,0000 one bus
-Kiski Area received only a modest sum of just over seventy thousand dollars which they plan on using towards replacing their old fleet with three brand new electric models!
-Pennsbury had more success securing about one hundred twenty-five grand enough funds necessary acquire another batch totaling up too an impressive count; Five state-of-the-art eco-friendly transportation units!
“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 bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving schools money while improving air quality.”
“Today’s announcement will improve outcomes not only human health but also environment & economy," added Adam Ortiz who heads up EPA's Mid Atlantic Region."Thanks largely due bipartisan support behind Infrastructure Law students from fifty different districts throughout region now able ride zero-emission vehicles significantly reducing risks associated exposure diesel exhaust."
In September last year EPA initially allocated at least half-billion dollars worth rebates under Clean School Bus scheme receiving overwhelming response prompting agency double available funding nearly billion dollars total!
This third round builds upon previous investments close two billion via prior grants/rebates covering wide range states including D.C., several federally recognized tribes territories prioritizing low-income rural marginalized communities representing approximately forty-five percent selected projects accounting roughly sixty-seven percent overall allocation fulfilling Justice40 initiative aiming deliver benefits disadvantaged groups disproportionately affected pollution.
EPA collaborates Joint Office Energy Department Transportation providing technical assistance ensuring effective implementation ongoing review process may result additional awards meeting all requirements updated accordingly online resources available interested parties seeking further information current future opportunities participation broader initiatives such as Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program offering substantial financial support transitioning cleaner technologies within specified deadlines.
The Clean School Bus Program established under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides unprecedented five billion-dollar fund transforming national fleet electric propane compressed natural gas options producing significantly lower emissions compared traditional diesel counterparts helping address climate crisis related transportation sector impact whilst generating cost savings educational institutions reinvesting vital resources back into student services facilities maintenance operational efficiencies overall contributing positive environmental societal outcomes long term sustainability goals shared public private stakeholders alike view complete list awardees official website further details relevant documentation accessibilities
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