(AGENPARL) – mer 10 gennaio 2024 Biden-Harris Administration Announces at Least $9,079,605 in Awards for Clean School Buses Across Oklahoma as Part of Investing in America Agenda
DALLAS, TEXAS (January 10, 2024) – As part of its ongoing commitment to protecting children and improving air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that Highland CSB 1 LLC and Lawton Independent School District will receive at least $9,079,605 through EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program’s Grants Competition. The awards, which are made possible through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will help the selectees purchase clean school buses in two school districts across Oklahoma. By accelerating the transition to low- and zero-emission vehicles, these awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all while boosting the economy and creating good-paying jobs.
· The Lawton Independent School District is receiving $9,079,605 to purchase 23 clean school buses.
In addition, Oklahoma is expected receive additional funding through third party selectees that are working with multiple states.
· Highland CSB 1, LLC is receiving $31,150,000 to purchase 91 clean school buses in Texas Oklahoma and Louisiana.
“Today we’re once again accelerating the transition to electric and low-emission school buses in America, helping to secure a healthier future where all our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “I’ve sat next to students on their very first clean school bus ride and their excitement reflects the power of good policy.  Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments in America, thousands more school buses will hit the road in school districts across the country, saving school districts money and improving air quality at the same time.” 
“This announcement reflects this Administration’s commitment to protecting children’s health and improving air quality. Replacing diesel buses with clean-burning alternatives will help improve the school day and reduce emissions that impact climate change,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “This is especially good news for children in underserved areas who are often exposed to more air pollution and health risks such as asthma. Congratulations to our selectees for their partnership in protecting children and the environment.”
The Clean School Bus Program is having far-reaching effects across school districts and their surrounding communities. Air pollution from older diesel engines is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Phasing out these older diesel engines, which disproportionately affect communities of color and Tribal communities, ensures cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
After an extensive review process, the EPA Clean School Bus Program has selected the Notice of Funding Opportunity’s top tier Oklahoma applicants to receive this historic investment in their community.
EPA’s $5 billion Clean School Bus program created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes both a grant program where selected applicants are awarded funds to purchase buses and a rebate program that allows selectees to receive awards before purchasing eligible buses that replaces existing school buses with clean and zero-emission models. Today’s Clean School Bus grants are the second round of selections announced for the newly created program. EPA will make more funds available for clean school buses in additional rounds of funding.
About the Clean School Bus Program
EPA’s Clean School Bus Program was created under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds clean school buses, including electric buses, compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane buses that   produce lower tailpipe emissions compared to their older diesel predecessors.
The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Air pollution from older diesel engines, which disproportionately impact communities of color and Tribal communities, is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and can cause them to miss school. Replacing these older diesel engines with zero- or low-emission buses will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, school staff working near bus loading areas, and the communities through which the buses drive each day.
The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from these bus replacements will also help to address the outsized role of the transportation sector in fueling the climate crisis. The Program will benefit school districts as they upgrade to cost saving and fuel-efficient school bus fleets, by replacing existing buses with brand new zero-emission and clean school buses and freeing up needed resources for schools.
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Environmental Protection Agency, 1201 Elm Street, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75270 United States