The Clean School Bus Program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to award $400 million in grant funds to replace existing school buses with clean and zero emission (ZE) alternatives. Children, bus drivers, and other school personnel are exposed to emissions from standard buses with internal combustion engines, increasing their risk of asthma and other respiratory illnesses. This program will accelerate the move to cleaner, healthier options.

The grant is being offered through two sub-programs to meet the diverse needs of school districts across the country. The School District Sub-Program is open to school districts and Tribal entities and the Third Party Sub-Program is open to outside parties serving at least four school districts. Maximum award amount varies by the type of buses to be purchased and whether the applicant meets one or more of the prioritization criteria. All applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by August 22, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility

School District Sub-Program

This sub-program is open to:

• Public school districts
• Tribal entities responsible for providing bus service to one or more school funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs

Third Party Sub-Program

This sub-program is open to:

• Nonprofit school transportation associations
• Eligible contractors as defined by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58 (42 U.S.C. 16091)

Disadvantaged communities will be given priority consideration to mitigate environmental justice concerns that have made them more vulnerable to adverse health impacts. These include:

• High-need school districts
• Low-income areas
• Rural school districts
• School districts funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs
• School districts that receive basic support payments for children who live on Native American reservations

Available Funds

There is no cost share requirement, but applicants who can show that they have or intend to leverage other funds will receive additional evaluation points.

	Zero Emissions Class 7+	Zero Emissions Class 3-6	Compressed Natural Gas Class 7+	Compressed Natural Gas Class 3-6	Propane Class 7+	Propane Class 3-6
Buses serving school districts that meet one or more prioritization criteria	Up to $395,000*	Up to $315,000*	Up to $45,000	Up to $30,000	Up to $35,000	Up to $30,000
Buses serving school districts that are not prioritized	Up to $250,000*	Up to $195,000*	Up to $30,000	Up to $20,000	Up to $25,000	Up to $20,000

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may be spent on:

• Replacement school buses
• Charging infrastructure
• Delivery costs
• Performance monitoring software and equipment
• Training, consulting, and warranty costs

Grant funds may not be spent on:

• Leasing vehicles or equipment
• Emissions testing
• Engine replacement/repowers