Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator | https://en.wikipedia.org/
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on September 26 the latest round of funding from the Clean School Bus Rebate Program, with up to $965 million available to school districts. This initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, which aims to transition nearly 500,000 school buses in the United States to cleaner technologies. The goal is to protect over 25 million children who ride school buses daily from harmful air pollution.
This fourth round of funding builds on nearly $3 billion already invested nationwide. It aims to improve air quality around schools, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the development of clean vehicles.
"Over the past three years, we've seen tremendous interest from schools across the country to upgrade to clean and zero-emission buses," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Thousands of new buses on the road mean our children are breathing cleaner air on their way to and from school, their communities are seeing cleaner air and less climate pollution, and schools are supporting good paying American jobs."
Applications for this year's Clean School Bus Rebate Program are due by January 9, 2025. Applicants can request up to $325,000 per bus for up to 50 buses per application. Funds can cover bus and infrastructure costs as well as training costs for personnel working with the new buses or infrastructure.
Selectees may also be eligible for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits applicable to their purchases. For example, clean vehicle tax credits for qualifying school buses are worth up to $40,000.
EPA is committed to ensuring that this program advances environmental justice and delivers on President Biden's Justice40 Initiative. This initiative aims for 40% of certain federal investments' benefits to flow to disadvantaged communities marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.
The Biden-Harris Administration prioritizes investing federal dollars in ways that drive high-quality job creation and inclusive economic growth in the clean energy economy. Workforce training is an eligible use of program funds, and EPA encourages school districts to develop comprehensive workforce plans.
EPA is collaborating with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (JOET) from the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Transportation. JOET provides technical assistance through resources such as one-on-one meetings and public webinars.
The Clean School Bus Program was created by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, providing $5 billion in funding for zero- and low-emission buses like electric, propane, and compressed natural gas (CNG) models.
Diesel air pollution has been linked to asthma and other health problems causing missed school days. New zero-emission buses aim not only to reduce air pollution but also lower maintenance costs over time compared to older diesel models.
School districts will deploy their new buses based on factors like utility upgrades needed or familiarity with new technologies. Many zero-emission buses funded under earlier rounds are expected in service by the 2024-2025 school year.
For more information about the EPA Clean School Bus Program or inquiries, visit their webpage or contact CleanSchoolBus@epa.gov.
