Utah currently has an incredible opportunity to replace diesel school buses with clean, zero-emission electric buses. This transition will improve air quality in our communities and create good-paying jobs for transportation workers, electricians, and construction crews who are essential to getting these buses on the road.
There is currently $1 billion in federal funding available for school districts through the EPA's Clean School Bus Program, but time is running out for districts to apply.
Background/Overview
In 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocated $5 billion to the EPA's Clean School Bus Program. This funding provides grants and rebates to help school districts replace aging diesel buses with clean, zero-emission electric buses.
So far, Utah school districts have secured over $6 million in federal funding through this program to replace old diesel buses with zero-emission electric ones.
Poor air quality remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Utah communities, particularly along the Wasatch Front, where nearly 40% of air pollution comes from vehicles.
Diesel school buses contribute significantly to this problem, releasing harmful fumes that are linked to asthma, ADHD, anxiety, and increased school absenteeism. Transitioning to electric school buses can help clean the air, save money for schools, and improve health outcomes for students and drivers alike.
Time is running out
With just four weeks left until the January 9, 2025, deadline for the EPA Clean School Bus Program 2024 Rebates—and indications that this could be the last round of federal funding for electric school buses for a long time—there is an urgent need for districts to apply now and take advantage of this opportunity. Electrifying Utah school buses is a critical step toward cleaner air and healthier communities.
Call to Action
We need your help! Advocates play a crucial role in encouraging school districts to apply for these rebates and supporting community outreach. Here's how you can take action:
- Contact Your Local School District: Ask them to apply for funding through the EPA's Clean School Bus Program before the January 9 deadline. Check out the advocacy toolkit for email templates and helpful resources to contact your district.
- Spread the Word: Share information about the program with parents, teachers, and community members to build local support. The advocacy toolkit has everything you need to amplify this opportunity, including social media resources and letter-to-the-editor templates.
- Volunteer: Join our outreach efforts to connect with districts and ensure they have the resources they need to apply.
Together, we can ensure Utah leverages this opportunity to transition to cleaner school buses, improving air quality and creating healthier communities for all.