The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity in the amount of $400,000,000 in funds to be released to school districts for the purpose of delivering electric bussing technology for students and communities across the United States.
This initiative is a part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s effort to transition the Nation toward low-emissions technologies, particularly in the transportation and automotive sectors.
25 million children utilize our nation’s bussing system daily, representing the most efficient way to deliver our children to school safely. As our school bussing system ages, significant greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants are released into the air. The population most vulnerable to the emissions are children’s lungs. This has the potential for drastic, long-term environmental and community health impacts for millions across the United States.
To combat this, the EPA will be delivering funds to school systems across the country to facilitate a transition to Electric school buses, as well as Net Zero Emission buses that utilize alternative fuel sources to reduce the negative impacts of diesel-powered buses. This is an incredible opportunity for school systems across America to modernize their logistical infrastructure and offer students a cleaner method of transportation.
The first round of funding for this initiative was given in FY 2022. The EPA received over 2,000 funding requests to participate in this investment in our nation's schools and students. The popularity of this program has resulted in the EPA doubling the level of funding available for school bus rebates, in addition to the hundreds of millions in direct funding available under this program.
We at USFCR are continuing to monitor funding releases by the EPA and other agencies due to the sustained level of interest from potential applicants. This program is expected to be highly competitive, with the EPA anticipating a similar number of applicants when compared to previous rounds of funding.
School districts interested in revitalizing their busing system through the Clean School Bus Program should contact our grant writing team for an eligibility determination and to answer any questions you may have regarding the contents of the Funding Opportunity.
Our Grants Team offers a range of services, including Grant Consulting, Grant Writing, and Grant Application Review & Submission, which can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
To speak with a Specialist about Grant opportunities, contact us at (877) 252-2700 or email grants@usfcr.com
1 The United States Government. (2022, March 7). Fact sheet: Vice President Harris announces actions to accelerate clean transit buses, school buses, and trucks. The White House. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/07/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-actions-to-accelerate-clean-transit-buses-school-buses-and-trucks/
2 Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, December) Press Release: Clean School Bus Program: Building a Better America with the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P1013NR1.pdf