Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that the Puerto Rico Department of Education will receive over $7.6 million in rebate funding to purchase 25 clean school buses. This funding is part of the 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda.
"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."
Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator for EPA Region 2, emphasized the health benefits of this initiative: "Protecting our kids by delivering more funding for clean school buses in Puerto Rico is not only protective of public health but also another leap forward in the fight against climate change by reducing harmful diesel emissions."
In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million would be available for its 2023 Clean School Bus rebates. Due to overwhelming demand from school districts across various communities—including low-income areas, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories—the available funding was doubled to nearly $1 billion.
This third round of funding builds on previous investments totaling almost $2 billion through 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants aimed at improving air quality around schools and reducing greenhouse gas pollution.
The selections will benefit school districts in 47 states, Washington D.C., several federally recognized Tribes, and U.S. territories. Approximately 45 percent of selected projects come from prioritized low-income, rural, and Tribal communities which will receive about 67 percent of total funding. This effort supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming to direct federal investment benefits toward disadvantaged communities.
The EPA is collaborating with the Joint Office of Energy and Department of Transportation to provide technical assistance ensuring effective implementation.
Additional funds for clean school buses will be made available later this year as some applicants are still undergoing review processes. The EPA encourages unselected or non-applicant districts from previous rounds to participate in future programs such as the ongoing 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program.
The Clean School Bus Program was established under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law providing $5 billion for transforming national school bus fleets towards zero-emission vehicles like electric buses or lower emission options such as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
This program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked with asthma and other health conditions particularly affecting students' attendance rates while saving money for school districts by upgrading their fleets.
For more information about ongoing initiatives under this program or details on how to apply for upcoming grants visit [EPA Region 2 website].
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