news

Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) and Dr. Earthea Nance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator for Region 6, met with El Paso superintendents to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s federal Clean School Bus Program Funding grant opportunities for local school districts.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, provides $5 billion over five years for the replacement of existing school buses with clean and zero-emission school buses. Through these funds—in the forms of grants, rebates, or contracts—the EPA may compensate school districts up to 100% of the cost of replacement buses and charging/fueling infrastructure.

“Tens of thousands of El Paso students ride a bus to school every day. Not only do emissions from older diesel school busses contribute to the transportation sector’s disproportionate role in climate change, they also increase the risk of respiratory illnesses among the very students they should be transporting safely,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “I look forward to my continued work with the EPA and local partners to protect the health of El Paso students, school staff, and the greater community.”  

“The historic investment of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is transforming communities in many ways. The Clean School Bus program will bring the environmental and health benefits of low- or zero-emission buses to schools across the country,” said Dr. Nance. “EPA is proud to bring this opportunity to El Paso-area schools and continue working to improve air quality in the region.”

In accordance with the BIL, the EPA will continue coordinating with stakeholders to explain the application process, describe eligible technologies and their benefits, and include best practices and lessons learned on the acquisition, deployment, planning, and installation of the new buses and their infrastructure.  

The EPA intends to open the first cycle of funding as early as April 2022.