The Clear Faculty Bus Program, enabled by funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation, is investing lots of of hundreds of thousands of {dollars} in our area’s schoolchildren, cleansing up the air they breath with more healthy electrical college buses. The Grant Program awardees had been simply introduced and the Rebate Program, open now, guarantees much more alternative in 2024!
Dory Larsen | January 12, 2024
| Clear Transportation
Cleaner air is on the best way to 280 college districts throughout the nation, together with 35 within the Southeast! The Environmental Safety Company (EPA) awarded almost $1 billion this week to candidates via the Clear Faculty Bus Grants Program. The funds will help the acquisition of greater than 2,675 electrical college buses nationwide, together with 464 within the Southeast. Of the EPA’s 10 areas, the Southeast obtained probably the most funding, totaling greater than $172 million. Additionally distinctive to the area, the Japanese Band of Cherokee Indians was the one Tribal nation that was awarded funding.
The second spherical of the Clear Faculty Bus (CSB) Rebate Program remains to be open and accepting purposes for 2024. Proceed studying to study extra.
Created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation of 2021, the Clear Faculty Bus Program is investing $5 billion via 2026 to switch diesel college buses with cleaner choices, like electrical buses. This newest spherical is along with the $875 million awarded via the CSB Rebate Program launched in October of 2022. This useful resource from the Alliance for Electrical Faculty Buses helps clarify the 2 applications at a look.
Faculty Districts Are Asking for Electrical Buses
One hanging be aware about this system is that electrical college buses are in demand. Over 95% of the purposes that had been funded will buy electrical buses. This carefully mirrors the share for electrical powertrains requested from all purposes submitted.
Preserve the Wheels for ESB Going Spherical and Spherical
You may assist us proceed the momentum for electrical buses in two methods:
- Attain out to your native college board and superintendent and thank them for investing within the well being of our youngsters (in the event that they utilized for electrical buses). In the event that they utilized for propane, you may inform them of how electrical college buses are the only option to scale back emissions.
- In case your college district will not be on the listing, please attain out to your native college board and superintendent, make them conscious of the advantages of ESB and the chance to use for the EPA Clear Faculty Bus Rebate (CSB) Program ending January 31, 2024 and invite them to take part within the upcoming EPA webinar on January 18, 2024 (see under).
Don’t Miss the Bus, Rebate Program Closing Quickly!
The second spherical of the CSB Rebate program is open now however closing on January 31, 2024. In case your district is concerned with taking part, they should act quick. Study what must be carried out with this fast primer on this system. For a deeper dive discover this listing of sources from Alliance for Electrical Faculty Buses, of which SACE is a proud member.
Upcoming Rebate Webinar
The EPA District 4 and SACE might be co-hosting the webinar An Overview of the 2023 Clear Faculty Bus Rebate Program for Florida Candidates Webinar on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (EST).
Throughout this free webinar, EPA Area 4 employees will talk about the concerns when making use of for the U.S. Environmental Safety Company’s (EPA) Clear Faculty Bus applications. This may embrace discussions on the distinction between rebates and grants, the way to apply for the 2023 rebate program, and subsequent steps to be taken. This webinar is curated for Florida candidates, however any candidates in Area 4 are welcome to hitch.
Catch the Huge Inexperienced Bus
We’re already making nice strides within the new yr, however there’s a lot work to be carried out to unfold the phrase of the public well being advantages and environmental advantages of electrical college buses and guarantee each college district is knowledgeable on the unimaginable monetary advantages they supply – together with decrease gasoline and upkeep prices – particularly when paired with present federal alternatives. To remain engaged and study extra, be a part of the Clear Vitality Technology motion alongside others who’re taking motion at present to create a more healthy, safer actuality the place all of us can thrive.
The Southern Alliance for Clear Vitality’s Electrify the South program leverages analysis, advocacy, and outreach to speed up the equitable transition to electrical transportation throughout the Southeast. Go to ElectrifytheSouth.org to study extra and join with us.
