Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced $16,910,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has provided rebate funding for clean school buses in Alabama. This funding will assist schools in purchasing over 51 clean school buses across 10 school districts in the state. The EPA’s Clean School Bus program, established under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to help Alabama transition to zero-emission vehicles and replace older, diesel-fueled school buses, which have been associated with asthma and other health issues affecting students and nearby communities.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is once again delivering for Alabama!” said Rep. Sewell. “Not only will this funding reduce pollution and make our communities healthier, but it will also save our school districts money and free up resources to invest in the success of our students. I was so proud to help make this program possible and I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for this investment into Alabama’s schools.”
The EPA Clean School Bus Program, established by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, allocates an unprecedented $5 billion to revamp the nation’s fleet of school buses. This program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, as well as propane and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which have significantly lower emissions compared to older diesel models.
The Clean School Bus Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and improve air quality. Diesel pollution has been linked to asthma and other health issues that negatively impact students, causing them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out diesel engines will result in cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses travel daily.
Replacing diesel buses with cleaner alternatives will also help mitigate the significant impact of the transportation sector on the climate crisis. The program not only promotes environmental health but also provides financial benefits to school districts by enabling them to upgrade their fleets to brand new zero-emission and clean buses, freeing up resources for other educational needs.
View the full list of Clean School Bus Program awards here.
