Megan Wittman, megan.wittman@sierraclub.org
Columbus, OH – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 20 school districts in Ohio will benefit from the 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition. The program funds electric school buses, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, producing cleaner air, and saving money for school districts.
The EPA Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) prioritizes funding for low-income, rural, and Tribal school districts. For the third year in a row, the CSBP has experienced an overwhelming demand for funding. The majority of applicants requested electric school buses – the cleanest, healthiest option for children, as diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other adverse health conditions causing kids to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities.
A full list of awarded Ohio school districts can be found here.
Ericka Copeland, Chapter Director of Sierra Club - Ohio, released the following statement:
“This marks a pivotal stride toward fostering healthier communities and enhancing our school districts. We're elated that numerous school districts across Ohio have secured rebate funding for clean school buses. By phasing out aging, pollutant-emitting diesel buses and transitioning to clean, emissions-free electric alternatives, we anticipate a significant boost in air quality. This shift not only safeguards the commute to school for our students but also fosters safer working conditions for our dedicated bus drivers and technicians."
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.