Commercial, Distributed Energy Resources, GHG Emissions  -  January 17, 2024

Oregon, Washington School Districts Receive EPA Grants for Buses

The Environmental Protection Agency announced that Washington and Oregon will switch from diesel-powered buses and receive $51,148,500 for the purchase of 144 clean school buses.

Throughout the U.S., 67 applicants will receive nearly $1 billion through EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. 

The school districts across urban and rural areas in the Pacific Northwest include the following:

• Beaverton School District, Oregon, will receive $19,750,000 to purchase 50 buses;
• First Student Inc. will receive $16,500,000 to purchase 46 buses for both states;
• RWC Group will receive $11,148,500 to purchase 33 buses across Washington; and
• Walla Walla Public Schools, Washington, will receive $3,750,000 to purchase 15 buses.

“EPA is proud to partner with local school districts to bring electric school buses and cleaner air to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Children are most at risk for respiratory illnesses caused by diesel particulates so helping electrify school bus fleets is an investment in our kids’ health and their future,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller in a statement. “Any action we can take to reduce the incidence of asthma and other health issues children experience is the right thing to do.”

The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program will lower GHG emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. 

“We are thrilled by today’s announcement. These additional 40 buses are critical for our children and schools. We’ve seen tremendous benefits to our kids’ physical and mental health. Not only do we see fewer asthma attacks because of electric buses, we also see calmer, happier kids because they no longer have to shout to hear each other over noisy diesel engines,” said Governor Jay Inslee. “These awards supercharge Washington’s efforts to be a leader in converting to clean, quiet electric buses. I’ve proposed $30 million in my budget to fund 80 additional electric buses and charging infrastructure. Thanks to Senator Murray, Administrator Regan, EPA, and President Biden for their partnership in building the future our children and communities deserve.”

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