The Biden-Harris Administration has announced that Albuquerque Public Schools will receive $6.9 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. This funding, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will be used to purchase 20 new clean school buses to replace older diesel-fueled buses linked to health issues such as asthma.
These rebates are set to help school districts nationwide acquire over 3,400 clean school buses, with 92% being electric. The program aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and improve air quality around schools and communities. To date, the EPA has awarded nearly $3 billion for approximately 8,500 school bus replacements at over 1,000 schools through various grant and rebate opportunities.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan emphasized the significance of this initiative: “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.” He added that this funding would transform the nation’s school bus fleet while saving money for school districts and improving air quality.
Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance highlighted the benefits for New Mexico: “Today’s announcement is good news for children in New Mexico, especially those in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma.”
U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (NM) expressed his support: “I’m proud to welcome nearly $7 million in funding from the Biden administration... students spend a large amount of their time on school buses and deserve clean air.” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (NM) echoed these sentiments: “Electrifying school buses is about making sure our kids aren’t breathing in dangerous diesel fumes.”
Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM) also welcomed the funding: "Pollution levels inside school buses are often higher than outside... This funding is a critical step towards addressing this issue." Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM) called it a "game changer" for New Mexico.
In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million available for its Clean School Bus rebates, which was later doubled due to high demand from various communities including low-income areas and Tribal nations.
This third round of funding builds on previous investments totaling almost $2 billion through prior rebates and grants under the Clean School Bus Program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing America's leadership in developing clean vehicles.
The program prioritizes projects in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities—making up about 45% of selected projects—and aligns with President Biden's Justice40 Initiative aiming to benefit disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by pollution.
The EPA continues reviewing applications and may make additional awards if requirements are met. Future rounds of funding will be available through other programs like the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program currently accepting applications until July 25, 2024.
About the Clean School Bus Program:
Created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with $5 billion allocated for transforming school bus fleets nationwide, this program funds electric buses producing zero tailpipe emissions as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses which have lower emissions compared to older diesel models.
For further details on award recipients visit [Clean School Bus Program Awards](https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/clean-school-bus-program-awards).