U.S. EPA Invests $1B in Clean School Buses Nationwide
Latest News
- Arizona to Receive $7.9 Million for Zero-Emission BusesThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced over $7.9 million in funding for Arizona to support the transition to zero-emission buses in line with the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Oregon Receives $2M for Cleaner, Zero-Emission SolutionsSimilarly, Oregon will receive $2 million to upgrade older diesel engines to cleaner, zero-emission solutions, as part of the EPA's investment.
Clean School Bus Program Grants
West Coast Coalition: Working Together to Decrease Diesel Pollution
The EPA has awarded nearly $1 billion to 67 applicants to purchase clean school buses in 280 school districts across 37 states, serving over 7 million students [1]. This move is part of the EPA's Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition [2].
West Coast Collaborative
West Coast Collaborative (WCC) – a partnership between federal, state, Tribal, local, and U.S. territorial government agencies, the private sector, academia, non-profit, and environmental organizations – is committed to reducing medium- and heavy-diesel emissions and advancing clean air technologies, policies, and practices across Western North America [3].
Resources and Training
In an effort to support fleets in transitioning to zero-emissions options, WCC provides resources to train staff and maintain equipment [4].
The Communicator Newsletter
WCC also provides a monthly newsletter (The Communicator) to share resources, funding opportunities, news, tools, and events related to diesel emissions reduction [4].
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Disclaimer
Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or favor by WCC or its partners, including the United States Government [3].
Program Benefits
The Clean School Bus Program offers multiple benefits beyond emission reduction:
- Environmental Improvement: Transitioning schools to cleaner buses helps reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to healthier environments for children and communities.
- Energy Efficiency: By promoting the use of electric and alternative fuel buses, we can achieve more efficient energy use and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- Economic Benefits: The program stimulates economic growth by supporting the development and manufacturing of electric buses and related infrastructure.
Impact
The program has far-reaching effects on public health, infrastructure development, and environmental justice [5]:
- Public Health: Cleaner buses will reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, improving respiratory health and overall well-being for students and communities.
- Infrastructure Development: The program encourages the development of charging infrastructure for electric buses, contributing to broader electric vehicle infrastructure expansion.
- Environmental Justice: By supporting underserved communities, the program can help address environmental disparities and promote equitable access to cleaner transportation options.
[1] EPA. (n.d.). Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition
[2] EPA. (n.d.). Nationwide Inflation Reduction Act Investment
[3] West Coast Collaborative. (n.d.). About WCC
[4] West Coast Collaborative. (n.d.). Resources and Training
[5] EPA. (n.d.). Environmental and Health Benefits of Clean School Buses
- The investment in cleaner, zero-emission buses aims to improve both the air quality and the health of students across land, water, and air ecosystems, as part of efforts to combat climate-change.
- Advanced clean air technologies and policies have the potential to not only reduce emissions but also stimulate the renewable-energy industry, as demonstrated by the Clean School Bus Program Grants.
- To ensure a smooth transition to zero-emission buses, it's crucial for the industry to provide resources and training to maintain equipment, as advocated by partnerships like the West Coast Collaborative (WCC).
- As the clean school bus program expands, it will have far-reaching effects on infrastructure development, such as the construction of charging stations and promoting broader electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Financial investments in environmental-science initiatives, such as the Clean School Bus Program, helps in addressing environmental disparities and promoting equitable access to cleaner transportation options within industries and communities.
