Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The Biden-Harris Administration has 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. The rebates will enable the purchase of five clean school buses in four West Virginia school districts. 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 affecting students and communities.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan will join schoolchildren, district leaders, and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, today to highlight how the program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save schools money, and protect children's health. The investment is also expected to boost demand for American-made batteries and vehicles, enhance domestic manufacturing, and create jobs.
Calhoun County Schools will receive $345,000 to purchase one clean school bus. Randolph County Schools will receive $730,000 for two clean school buses. McDowell County Schools and Summers County Schools will each receive $365,000 for one clean school bus.
“President Biden believes every child deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air, and his Investing in America agenda is designed to deliver just that,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With today’s latest round of funding, we are transforming the nation’s school bus fleet to better protect our most precious cargo—our kids—saving school districts money, improving air quality, and bolstering American manufacturing all at the same time.”
“Today’s announcement will improve outcomes for human health, the environment, and the clean energy economy,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, students in fifty school districts across the region will be able to ride to and from school on buses that produce zero emissions. This means reduced health risks associated with diesel exhaust and reduced emissions that contribute to climate change.”
In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. The application period closed in February 2024 with high interest from districts nationwide seeking electric and clean school buses. Due to overwhelming demand from low-income communities, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled available funding to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding builds on a previous nearly $2 billion investment via 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants.
The newly announced selections provide funds to districts in 47 states plus Washington D.C., several federally recognized Tribes, and U.S. territories. Approximately 45 percent of selected projects are prioritized in low-income rural or Tribal communities receiving about 67 percent of total funding. This aligns with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at delivering 40 percent of federal investment benefits to disadvantaged communities overburdened by pollution.
The EPA is partnering with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of TransportationExit EPA's website for technical assistance ensuring effective implementation.
The agency continues reviewing applications with potential additional awards pending meeting program requirements. Updates on finalized selections will be posted on the CSB Awards webpage.
Further rounds of funding are anticipated through other programs such as the ongoing application process for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until July 25th – offering up to $932 million for new zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses.
About The Clean School Bus Program:
Created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law providing $5 billion for transforming national fleets into electric or cleaner propane/CNG options reducing tailpipe emissions compared against older diesel models – cutting greenhouse gases saving district funds while enhancing student health especially within communities facing greater pollution impacts.
View full list details on Clean School Bus Program awards.
