• The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was funded with $5 billion through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  It is intended to fund multiple rounds of grant and rebate funding over five years (FY 2022-2026).  The funding is for the replacement of older buses with new zero-emission and low-emission models, and it includes funding for electric charging and alternative fueling infrastructure, and workforce training. It is required that a diesel bus is removed from the fleet.

• The first two rounds awarded grants for the purchase of vehicles and infrastructure. The first round in 2022 was a lottery-based rebate that awarded a total of $965 million to fund about 2,500 school bus replacements. All but two of the school districts selected in the first round were low- income priority districts. The second round awarded $400 million in funding, but the applications were competitive and scored based on specific criteria. While propane fueled buses and compressed natural gas are eligible, 90% of the replacement buses were electric in the first round.
• Round 3, due January 31, 2024, is currently open and soliciting applications. Unlike the first two rounds, it will be a rebate program and a simpler application process than the grants awarded in the first two rounds.  It plans to award $500 million towards the purchase of buses, as well as the associated refueling/charging infrastructure, workforce training and the incremental cost above the cost of a typical new diesel internal combustion engine. $200 million will be available for non-priority school districts.

• Public School Districts (including public charter schools); Tribal Applicants and Third Parties (nonprofit school transportation associations and eligible contractors who provide transportation services, EV charging station companies and EV equipment manufacturers.         

• Information on applying for the EPA’s 2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Program can be found on EPA’s website which lists important webinars and a program guide on how to apply.     

Application documents are submitted online through an EPA portal.  

                January 31, 2024, for the third round of funding. The final round is the fiscal year 2026.

For more info on the CSB Program, and upcoming workshops, go to https://jimwylieg.wixsite.com/ca-public/copy-of-grant-programs