Clean School Bus Program

The Clean School Bus Program, initiated by the EPA under the Better Infrastructure Loan (BIL), stands as a momentous endeavor with a substantial budget of $5 billion spanning five years, from FY 2022 to FY 2026. Designed to catalyze transformation, the program is dedicated to replacing conventional school buses with cleaner, zero-emission models, championing cleaner air and a sustainable future. The inaugural funding opportunity for this program materialized in 2022, with up to $965 million allocated for zero-emission and low-emission school bus rebates. This endeavor signifies a pivotal shift in redefining school transportation for a cleaner and more sustainable era. As the program progresses, the EPA remains dedicated to updating its Clean School Bus Program resources and information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of its transformative impact.

Funding Details

The Clean School Bus Program opens avenues for significant change by facilitating the replacement of existing school buses with their environmentally conscious counterparts. The first funding opportunity, launched in 2022, enabled applicants to seek funding for the replacement of up to 25 school buses. 

With an application deadline of August 22, 2023, the program stimulates a swift shift towards cleaner transportation alternatives. Furthermore, the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates Program pioneers the provision of funding not only for the buses themselves but also for essential charging infrastructure. 

Schools situated in high-priority districts can access up to $20,000 per bus, while other eligible districts can receive up to $13,000 per bus. This multifaceted approach underscores the program’s commitment to supporting a holistic transition.

Eligibility Criteria

The program extends its reach to a diverse range of stakeholders committed to fostering cleaner school transportation. Eligible applicants encompass state and local governmental entities responsible for school bus services, Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Tribally controlled schools, eligible contractors, and nonprofit school transportation associations. By encompassing this broad spectrum, the program reflects its dedication to inclusivity and widespread impact.

Application Process 

Prospective participants in the Clean School Bus Program can embark on their journey by adhering to a well-structured application process. The process entails submitting applications within specified deadlines, accompanied by necessary documentation and information. With the first funding opportunity in 2022 setting the precedent, the program is positioned to continue offering multiple funding opportunities through FY 2026, bolstering the potential for systemic change on a significant scale.

Key Benefits and Opportunities

Participation in the Clean School Bus Program yields substantial benefits for school districts and transportation entities. Beyond the financial support for bus replacement and charging infrastructure, stakeholders can embrace a transformational role in environmental stewardship, contribute to cleaner air quality, and establish a progressive precedent for future generations.

2023 Clean School Bus Rebates

This program offers rebates to replace older diesel-powered school buses with modern, eco-friendly alternatives. Here’s an overview of how the 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) Rebates process works:

• Application Period: The application period is open from September 28, 2023, to January 31, 2024, at 4:00 PM ET.
• Webinars: Various webinars on the CSB Program will be held from September 2023 to January 2024 to provide guidance and answer questions.
• Questions Deadline: The final date to submit questions about the 2023 Rebates is January 10, 2024, at 4:00 PM ET.
• Review and Selection: EPA reviews rebate applications and begins the selection process in February 2024. Applicants are notified of their selection status, and a list of applicants and selectees is posted online.
• Purchase and Delivery: Selected applicants can proceed with purchasing new buses and eligible infrastructure starting in April 2024.
• Project Completion: The project period deadline for selectees to receive new buses, install eligible infrastructure, replace existing buses, and submit Close Out Forms is April 2026.

Eligible Applicants

The CSB Rebate Program is open to a range of applicants, including:

• Public School Districts
• Local or State governmental entities providing school bus service
• Public charter school districts
• Tribal Applicants, including Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations
• Third Parties, including for-profit, not-for-profit, or nonprofit entities with the capacity to sell, lease, license, or contract for clean or ZE school buses or related infrastructure

Eligible Buses and Infrastructure

To be eligible for replacement, existing school buses must be model year 2010 or older diesel-powered school buses. New replacement buses must have a battery-electric, CNG, or propane drivetrain, be model year 2022 or newer, and meet specific criteria outlined in the program guide.

Applicants can also apply for funding for eligible infrastructure, such as EV charging equipment, related to ZE buses.

Available Funding

For the 2023 CSB Rebates, EPA anticipates offering at least $500 million in total funding, with the potential for adjustments based on demand. School districts can request funds to replace up to 25 buses.

The maximum rebate amount per bus depends on factors like the replacement bus’s fuel type, size, and the school district’s prioritization status. Priority is given to high-need school districts, Rural school districts, and others as outlined in the program guide.

Selection Process and Prioritization

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes prioritization criteria, offering more funding per bus and preference in the selection process to applicants serving prioritized school districts. A list of prioritized school districts can be found in the supporting documents provided by the EPA.

Workforce Development

In an effort to support a skilled workforce for clean buses, the 2023 CSB Rebate Program allows funding for workforce training for drivers, mechanics, electricians, and other essential personnel.

To start your application or learn more about the program, visit the Clean School Bus Program Rebates page.

Additional Resources

For detailed program guidelines, FAQs, and inquiries, refer to the Clean School Bus Program page on the official EPA website.