School districts presently have multiple incentives to switch to clean school buses and clean heavy-duty vehicles. This funding will accelerate the decarbonization of the transportation sector and improve air quality for schoolchildren and neighborhoods. Currently, over 200 clean-powered school buses are or will soon be operational in Michigan. Recently, the EPA allocated $23.98 million in rebate funding for 100 electric school buses to various school districts statewide. These investments in clean EV and propane school buses promise to enhance air quality for students and communities while reducing expenses for schools, thereby channeling more funds into classrooms.
SEC 74 Clean School Bus Grant
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Michigan Association of Pupil Transportation (MAPT), has launched the application process for the SEC 74 Clean School Bus Grant – Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation. This initiative, totaling $125 million, aims to assist Michigan school districts in replacing aging diesel school buses with cleaner alternatives.
Under this program, public school districts can receive funding covering up to 70% of the expenses related to purchasing electric school buses, including charging stations and necessary infrastructure. The program prioritizes districts with high needs, evaluating factors such as income levels, environmental risks, and the presence of rural or indigenous populations. Eligible schools meeting these criteria may qualify for additional funding, covering up to 90% of the total project costs. Funding for buses using alternative fuels will be allocated at reduced levels.
To access the application, school districts log into NexSys using the MILogin portal and search for 74(b) Clean Bus Energy Grant. The application deadline is 5 pm ET on July 12, 2024.
Email questions to MDE-CleanBusEnergy@michigan.gov.
EPA Clean Heavy Duty Vehicle Grant Program
The Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Program | US EPA offers competitive grant funding up to $932 million to replace existing Class 6 and 7 heavy-duty vehicles with zero-emission counterparts. Priority is given to applications serving communities in nonattainment areas, with at least $400 million allocated for this purpose. Funding covers driver and maintenance training, vehicle warranties, infrastructure installation, and project management costs. Eligible applicants include states, municipalities, school districts, tribes, and nonprofit transportation associations. Applications must be submitted electronically by July 25th, 2024.
Contact Karey Hamrick, Clean Fuels Michigan Transportation Resources Coordinator, at karey@cleanfuelsmi.org with any questions.
