Funding Announcement: $400 Million Available in the Second Round of Funding for the Clean School Bus Program

“EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is announcing the availability of funds and soliciting applications from eligible entities to incentivize and accelerate the replacement of existing school buses with clean and Zero Emissions (ZE) school buses. Eligible activities include the replacement of existing internal-combustion engine (ICE) school buses with electric, propane, or compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses, as well as the purchase of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) infrastructure and EVSE installations.”

With an anticipated 25 to 50 accepted applications, the EPA has created two sub-programs under this NOFO. The School District Sub-Program is open for school districts and Tribal applicants. The Third-Party Sub-Program is available to third-party applicants to serve at least four school district beneficiaries. The two different grant opportunities are meant to ensure a healthy competitive grant process while encouraging participation in the CSB grants program.

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• Final Date to Submit Questions – August 9, 2023
• Application Deadline – August 22, 2023
• Anticipated Notification of Selection – November 2023 to January 2024
• Anticipated Awards – February to March 2024