The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the tentative selection of 70 applicants from 27 states, three Tribal Nations, and one territory to receive over $735 million in funding. This initiative aims to support the purchase of more than 2,400 zero-emission vehicles as part of the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program, a project initiated under President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, “Thanks to President Biden, we are accelerating American leadership in developing clean technologies that address the impacts of climate change.” He emphasized that these projects will reduce air pollution and improve infrastructure for cleaner transportation solutions while creating jobs.
John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, highlighted the importance of reducing pollution across all sectors: "To tackle the climate crisis, we have to slash pollution from every sector, including heavy-duty transportation.”
Ali Zaidi, White House National Climate Advisor, remarked on the administration's efforts: “From zero-emission freight vehicles to clean school buses for kids, the Biden-Harris Administration is advancing the next generation of clean transportation that will help reduce pollution and make our nation’s cities and communities healthier.”
The program targets older Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles that emit high levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases. The aim is to replace these with zero-emission alternatives like battery-electric trucks and hydrogen fuel cell transit buses. Additionally, it includes funding for vehicle charging infrastructure and workforce development.
A significant portion of this funding will be directed towards acquiring clean school buses. This effort complements previous initiatives under EPA’s Clean School Bus program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Examples of selected projects include Boston Public Schools receiving approximately $35 million to replace diesel school buses with electric ones; Saint Louis Public Schools being awarded around $10 million for similar upgrades; North Central Texas Council of Governments obtaining about $60 million for vocational vehicle replacements; and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community receiving $190,000 for an all-electric laundry truck.
The EPA prioritized applications from disadvantaged communities facing air quality challenges. Approximately $523 million will be allocated to projects in areas not meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Finalization of awards is expected by early 2025 after legal requirements are met. Project implementation will span two to three years based on project scope. A separate grant program focusing on workforce development related to zero-emission vehicles is anticipated in early 2025.
For further details or updates on this initiative, visit the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program webpage or contact cleanhdvehicles@epa.gov.
