S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. Under the President's Investing in America agenda, nearly $900 million will be allocated to approximately 530 school districts across the nation to replace aging, diesel-fueled school buses.

With the aim of improving air quality and safeguarding student health, these rebates will empower school districts to purchase over 3,400 clean school buses, out of which an impressive 92% will be electric vehicles. The transition to zero-emission vehicles will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also benefit communities burdened by pollution.

Over the years, the EPA has been committed to advancing clean school transportation through various grant and rebate funding opportunities. Since its inception, the program has facilitated the replacement of approximately 8,500 school buses at over 1,000 schools, with a total funding of nearly $3 billion.

The announcement was made by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, along with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, in Jackson, Mississippi. This event highlighted how the program will not only improve air quality and protect children's health but also stimulate domestic manufacturing and generate good-paying jobs for Americans. It will also drive the demand for American-made batteries and vehicles.

According to EPA Administrator Regan, President Biden's Investing in America agenda is designed to ensure that every child has the opportunity to lead a healthy life and breathe clean air. The funding for the Clean School Bus Program signifies the administration's commitment to achieving this goal, benefiting communities across the country.

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson expressed his gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration for expanding opportunities to provide clean school buses to schools and students in Mississippi's Second Congressional District. He believes that this initiative will contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more efficient means of school transportation, protecting both the environment and student well-being.

The EPA launched the 2023 Clean School Bus rebate program in September 2023, initially making at least $500 million available for rebates. Due to overwhelming demand, including from low-income communities and Tribal nations, the funding was doubled to nearly $1 billion. The selected school districts in 47 states, along with Washington D.C. and several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories, will receive approximately 67% of the total funding.

This round of funding reflects the EPA's commitment to the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments to disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by pollution.

To ensure effective implementation, the EPA is collaborating with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, providing robust technical assistance to school districts. The EPA will continue reviewing selected applications and may make additional awards in the future.

The Clean School Bus Program is part of President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides $5 billion in funding to transform the nation's school bus fleet. The program supports the adoption of electric buses, propane buses, and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which emit significantly lower amounts of pollutants compared to older diesel buses.

This investment not only contributes to cleaner air and healthier environments but also facilitates cost savings for school districts. By replacing older buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses, schools can allocate resources more efficiently.

The EPA's commitment to the Clean School Bus Program represents a significant milestone in the transition towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. With continued investment and support, the nation's schools will become safer, healthier, and more sustainable places for students to thrive.