FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept 27, 2024
Contact: Ashley Sullivan, ashley.sullivan@weact.org
WASHINGTON — The Biden-Harris Administration announced this week $965 million of funding available through Round 4 of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Rebate Program. This will be the final round of the program under the current administration. The program, established under The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is supporting school districts across the nation in transitioning to clean, zero emission school buses. This effort is set to significantly positively impact the environment and the health of school children and surrounding communities across the nation.
In response, WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s Federal Policy Manager Yosef Robele shared the following,
“We are excited to see this program continue to distribute funds to school districts throughout the country, which will help alleviate the excessive pollution present in overburdened communities. We have been pleased with the wide geographic and demographic scope of the rebate selectees thus far, and look forward to seeing the administration continue this work. Of the $5 billion available, $3 billion has been awarded and we hope that this round will bring that figure up to 4 billion. Already 1,300 school districts are receiving funding and we are excited to see those numbers continue to increase, especially in low-income communities of color and Tribal communities most impacted by transportation pollution.
The EPA Clean School Bus Program moves us forward in the right direction by addressing the urgent need to replace dirty diesel school buses with zero-emission, electric models and by improving air quality as well as health in and around schools and communities. We will continue to keep up the momentum of support as the remaining money will be vulnerable to attacks from industry and political opposition. We will keep fighting to ensure that the remaining funds are not only protected and delivered, but that additional funds are made available for even more school districts, securing an equitable and healthy future for our children.”
MORE INFORMATIONThe EPA will be accepting applications for the 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate Program until January 9. 2025 at 4 PM EST. School districts that were not selected previously or did not apply are encouraged to participate in this open round of funding. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA plans to continue updating its CSB Awards page.
Technical assistance is available for this opportunity, and other federal funding opportunities, through the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (TCTACs). WE ACT for Environmental Justice hosts the TCTAC serving New York and New Jersey within EPA Region 2. Schools located within New York and New Jersey can seek technical assistance here, learn more about the TCTAC here, or contact the TCTAC directly at ejtctac@weact.org.
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WE ACT for Environmental Justice is a Northern Manhattan membership-based organization whose mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low-income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices. WE ACT has offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Visit us at weact.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram.
