The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an allocation of $8,396,706 to support the acquisition of 28 zero-emission vehicles in Washington state. This funding is part of the EPA's inaugural Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program and will be distributed among the Washington Department of Ecology, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Woodland Public Schools.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan highlighted the significance of this initiative by stating, "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 "slash air pollution and enhance the country’s infrastructure for cleaner transportation solutions."
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) expressed her satisfaction with the funds reaching Washington state. She remarked, "Replacing heavy duty diesel vehicles like school buses, garbage trucks, and more with green alternatives is a simple, smart way we can improve air quality for our kids and communities." Murray also noted her ongoing commitment as a leader on the Appropriations Committee to further such investments.
The funding breakdown includes an anticipated $3,887,706 for replacing 13 diesel school buses with electric ones through four school districts under the guidance of the Washington Department of Ecology. The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will receive approximately $260,000 to replace a Class 6 diesel refuse hauler with an electric version. Additionally, Woodland Public Schools is set to obtain around $4,249,000 to transition 14 diesel buses to zero-emission models.
This grant program was established under President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act and aims to replace existing internal combustion engine vehicles with zero-emission alternatives while bolstering clean vehicle infrastructure and workforce training.
With over three million Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles currently operating across various sectors nationwide—many emitting harmful pollutants—the initiative targets improving air quality particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children and older adults.
Approximately 70% of today's funding focuses on acquiring clean school buses. These efforts align with EPA's Clean School Bus program which has already provided nearly $3 billion for close to 9,000 clean school buses through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Furthermore, this grant program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at delivering substantial benefits from federal investments to disadvantaged communities impacted by pollution.
In addition to vehicle replacements, funds may also facilitate zero-emission vehicle refueling infrastructure development along with workforce training programs. Finalization of awards is expected in early 2025 following completion of necessary legal procedures; project implementation will proceed over two or three years depending on individual project scopes.
For more details about these initiatives visit EPA's Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program webpage where updates regarding award finalizations are available as selected applicants work towards implementing their respective projects.
