Biden-Harris Administration Announces Over $91 Million in Rebates for Clean School Buses Across California as Part of Investing in America Agenda

May 29, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, a key initiative under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The rebates, totaling $91,230,000 for California, will help selectees purchase 380 clean school buses in 47 school districts across the state. This program is a crucial step in California’s journey towards improving children’s health and tackling harmful air pollution, replacing older, diesel-fueled school buses linked to student and community health issues.

“EPA is proud to take another step in advancing the rollout of electric school buses in California, helping create a future where our children can breathe cleaner air,” said EPA’s Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “I’ve seen firsthand the advantages of these electric buses, with the absence of noxious diesel emissions benefiting students, school staff, and neighboring communities. Thanks to these investments, more electric school buses will be on the road in school districts across California.”

Elected Officials Applaud Federal Investment:

“Setting California’s schoolchildren up for a successful day of learning starts with a cleaner commute,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “The Clean School Bus Program is a crucial down payment on the transition to zero-emission buses, which is especially important to lower-income communities who face some of our nation’s worst air quality. I’m proud to have championed these investments, which are already transforming our bus fleets and improving our children’s health and education.”

“Climate change and its unprecedented effects pose serious challenges to our planet. That’s why the Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats importantly made the largest-ever investments in clean energy during the last Congress,” said U.S. Representative. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. “Funding electric school buses is a smart move all around – it helps reduce greenhouse gases, improves public health, and saves school districts money. I’m particularly excited that more than $1.5 million is coming to the Salinas Valley and helping one of our elementary school districts transform their fleet. I look forward to seeing more new green, clean school buses on the roads.”

U.S. Representative Linda Sánchez (CA-38) stated, “As the mother of a school-aged child, I am very proud that three school districts in our community – Walnut Valley Unified, Whittier Union High, and Montebello Unified – have secured a federal grant to replace existing buses with new zero-emission and low-emission models. This investment, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will improve air quality, reduce pollution, and save on maintenance and fuel costs, all while protecting the health of our students.”

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12) shared, “I’m excited that the East Bay has been selected to receive rebate funding to purchase clean school buses. The quicker we transition our communities to clean energy, the quicker we reduce pollution, improve public health outcomes, and lower harmful greenhouse gases. A clean, green future can’t wait. Thank you to the Biden Administration and to EPA Administrator Regan for taking action to lower emissions in the East Bay and communities like it across the country.”

“Electric school buses reduce pollution in our communities, improve our children’s health, and save taxpayers money. California has some of the worst air quality in the nation, so I’ve fought to get Californians our fair share from federal partners—including the EPA’s Clean School Bus program—to aid our electric vehicle transition. I’m thrilled Orange County will receive dozens of new electric school buses in the latest round of awards, and I’ll keep advocating for our state to get the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding we deserve,” said U.S. Representative Katie Porter (CA-47).

For far too long, diesel buses have been a major source of pollution, negatively impacting both our environment and the health of our children. Today, I am proud to support the EPA in announcing that several schools in Los Angeles will receive funding from the Clean School Bus Rebate Program to transition to cleaner, electric buses,” said U.S. Representative Adam Schiff (CA-30). “The Clean School Bus Program not only supports our fight against climate change but also provides a healthier, safer ride to school for our kids.

“As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, I am a strong advocate for green transportation and voted for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act,” said U.S. Representative Norma Torres (CA-35). “I am proud that our district is now home to a clean bus transportation infrastructure and is benefiting from these landmark bills. However, this is just the beginning. We must redouble our efforts to continue to build a clean, accessible, and affordable transportation future. This is not just about environmental sustainability, but also about strengthening supply chains, boosting U.S. competitiveness, and creating good-paying jobs and healthier communities.”

“Clean, zero-emission buses play an important part in reducing our carbon output,” said U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).  “The announcement of new, clean school buses for California is a huge step forward in our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower overall transportation costs for school districts.  I am proud to have fought for and incorporated my legislation to incentivize this transition in the landmark clean energy agenda that we passed last Congress, and I look forward to the future development and deployment of zero-emission buses all across the country.”

"Investing in clean school buses just makes sense—for the health of our children and our planet. I was proud to support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which established the Clean School Bus Program. These rebates will help schools across California's Fourth District and our country switch to greener transportation, improving air quality for students, faculty, and community members while saving money and combating climate change," said U.S. Representative Mike Thompson (CA-04).

U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) shared, “President Biden and the Biden-Harris Administration have been incredible partners in implementing Congress's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and today's announcement localizes the impact for children attending schools in Alhambra Unified, Arcadia Unified, Montebello Unified, and Chaffey Joint Union High School District. With these grants, students across the San Gabriel Valley and the country will soon be transported to and from school in up-to-date, clean-running buses, greenhouse gases will be lowered, helping address climate change, and school funds can be reinvested into instruction and classrooms. I look forward to seeing these new clean buses around our neighborhoods soon.”

“Fleets of clean electric school buses are coming to the San Joaquin Valley thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said U.S. Representative Jim Costa (CA-21). “These investments will improve the air we breathe and save money for our school districts while building a more sustainable future for our children.”

“I’m pleased to learn that Cabrillo Unified School District in our Congressional District is getting help buying zero-emission school buses,” declared U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo (CA-16). “I wrote a letter of support for the school district to receive rebates offered through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Bus Program. Seven older polluting diesel buses will be replaced with new, clean vehicles. The zero-emission buses will help reduce the health care risks to our students and surrounding communities and create good paying jobs in America.”

“School districts across America have caught on to the benefits of the Clean School Bus Program,” said U.S. Representative Tony Cárdenas (CA-29). “They’re signing on and making the switch from harmful, dirty diesel buses to much cleaner, safer, and healthier buses for our children, grandchildren, and our environment. Thanks to the investments made by Democrats and the Biden Administration, school districts are doing their part in transitioning to clean transportation and helping us tackle the climate crisis head on.”

“I am thrilled to join the Biden-Harris Administration today to celebrate the FY23 Clean School Bus Rebate selectees!” exclaimed U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36). “Together with President Biden and Vice President Harris, Democrats in Congress passed several laws in the 117^th Congress to ease supply chain congestion, boost clean energy development and deployment, and lower energy costs for hard-working American families. Thanks to the historic Infrastructure Law, the EPA has invested over $5 billion over five years to replace old school buses with clean energy models to provide cleaner air, reduce health risks, and lower emissions in communities across the country. I look forward to continued work with the Biden-Harris Administration to lower costs, create jobs, and build a healthier, safer nation. Congratulations to this year’s selectees!”

"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping cut carbon pollution through support for zero-emission and low-emission alternatives across our society – from transportation to schools. I’m proud to see the landmark law I helped write and pass delivering investments to the Central Coast that will help replace school buses in our districts and ensure we are continuing to take a holistic approach to combating the climate crisis,” said U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24).

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, generations of future students and their communities will be breathing cleaner air, the environment will benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and school districts will save money that would otherwise have been spent on fuel. This is a win for everyone,” said U.S. Scott Peters (CA-50).

"I’ve made it a priority to advance a greener, cleaner America. Thanks to historic legislation by Democrats, we’re accelerating the transition to electric transportation in a system that impacts millions of kids nationwide,” said U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (CA-02). “Communities in my district will now get some of their first clean school buses – saving money and improving air quality. This program is an investment in our children, their health, and a cleaner environment for everyone.”

“I can’t wait to see more zero-emission school buses serving our children thanks to the EPA’s Clean School Bus rebate program. These school buses will help protect our most vulnerable populations from the negative health impacts associated with diesel engines and help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. I’m pleased to announce $950,000 is coming to San Mateo Union High School District, which serves tens of thousands of students in California’s 15th Congressional District. This federal investment will help them purchase five new electric school buses and is a strong signal of support for the heavy-duty electric vehicle industry from the Biden Administration,” said U.S. Representative Kevin Mullin (CA-15).

“Today’s announcement is another step forward in protecting our children’s health and building cleaner and greener communities in the Sacramento region,” said U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (CA-07). “As Co-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, I have made it a top priority to cut pollution, fight the climate crisis, and bring the benefits of clean energy technology home to Sacramento. I was proud to vote for the Clean School Bus Program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and today, I am proud to see four school districts in California’s 7^th District receive funding to replace 29 old buses with new zero-emission buses. These new buses will protect children from exposure to harmful soot and NOx fumes and safeguard their future by cutting greenhouse gas emissions. I look forward to seeing these clean buses on the road.”

“I grew up with childhood asthma because of our poor air quality in the Central Valley, and I don’t want my daughters to have to deal with it too,” said U.S. Representative Josh Harder (CA-09). “By electrifying 20 Stockton Unified school buses, we are making sure our kids breathe cleaner air, saving taxpayer dollars, and making progress to stop climate change. This is a huge step towards improving our air quality and protecting our environment for future generations.”

"Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Montebello Unified School District is set to receive $4.235 million in clean bus rebates, bringing us one step closer to achieving a green future for our entire community," said U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42). “Not only is this an investment in the future of our education system, but it is another significant step towards electrifying and modernizing our transit systems nationwide, ensuring kids across the country have healthier air to breathe."

“I am excited to announce that Fruitvale Elementary School has been selected for the EPA’s 2024 Clean School Bus Rebate,” said U.S. Representative Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “This program will make the air our children breathe cleaner and promote the economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of our local infrastructure.”

Underscoring the urgency of this funding, U.S. Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) added, “Unfortunately, the Inland Empire has some of the worst air quality in the United States. That’s why it’s so critical that we invest in clean transportation technology that will reduce our emissions. I applaud the Biden Administration and the EPA for their leadership in making the Clean School Bus Program a reality, and I am thrilled these resources are headed to California.”

“I am thrilled that the EPA selected Sacramento City Unified School District as a recipient of this vital funding to modernize and transition its school bus fleet towards zero-emission vehicles,” said U.S. Representative Ami Bera (CA-06). “Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this funding will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality around our schools and neighborhoods while supporting critical investments in our region’s infrastructure and creating good-paying jobs here at home.”

The EPA has selected the following school districts for the FY2023 Clean School Bus Rebate Funding:

• Alameda Unified has been selected to receive $1,135,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Alhambra Unified has been selected to receive $2,090,000 in rebate funding to purchase eleven clean school buses.
• Arcadia Unified has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Atascadero Unified has been selected to receive $1,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase over seven clean school buses.
• Aveson School of Leaders District has been selected to receive $650,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Baldwin Park Unified has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Cabrillo Unified has been selected to receive $1,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Cajon Valley Union has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Caruthers Unified has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Centinela Valley Union High has been selected to receive $2,690,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Centralia Elementary has been selected to receive $600,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Chaffey Joint Union High has been selected to receive $1,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.
• Compton Unified has been selected to receive $8,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Earlimart Elementary has been selected to receive $1,035,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Elk Grove Unified has been selected to receive $5,520,000 in rebate funding to purchase sixteen clean school buses.
• Fresno Unified has been selected to receive $6,625,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Fruitvale Elementary has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Galt Joint Union Elementary has been selected to receive $660,000 in rebate funding to purchase three clean school buses.
• Galt Joint Union High has been selected to receive $420,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Leggett Valley Unified has been selected to receive $345,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Liberty Elementary has been selected to receive $265,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Los Banos Unified has been selected to receive $2,415,000 in rebate funding to purchase seven clean school buses.
• Midway Elementary School District has been selected to receive $690,000  in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Montebello Unified has been selected to receive $4,235,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Old Adobe Union has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.
• Ontario-Montclair has been selected to receive $1,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase six clean school buses.
• Orange Unified has been selected to receive $4,505,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Palisades Charter High District has been selected to receive $3,450,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Paradise Elementary has been selected to receive $2,295,000 in rebate funding to purchase fifteen clean school buses.
• Rim of the World Unified has been selected to receive $400,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Roseville City Elementary has been selected to receive $440,000 in rebate funding to purchase two clean school buses.
• Sacramento City Unified has been selected to receive $2,440,000 in rebate funding to purchase eight clean school buses.
• Saddleback Valley Unified has been selected to receive $1,530,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Salinas City Elementary has been selected to receive $1,505,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• San Dieguito Union High has been selected to receive $800,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• San Mateo Union High has been selected to receive $950,000 in rebate funding to purchase five clean school buses.
• Santa Barbara Unified has been selected to receive $5,080,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty-five clean school buses.
• Selma Unified has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Sierra Unified has been selected to receive $800,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Simi Valley Unified has been selected to receive $1,980,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Stockton Unified has been selected to receive $6,900,000 in rebate funding to purchase twenty clean school buses.
• Valley Center-Pauma Unified has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Ventura Unified has been selected to receive $2,000,000 in rebate funding to purchase ten clean school buses.
• Walnut Valley Unified has been selected to receive $2,200,000 in rebate funding to purchase eleven clean school buses.
• Wasco Union Elementary has been selected to receive $1,380,000 in rebate funding to purchase four clean school buses.
• Whittier Union High has been selected to receive $3,400,000 in rebate funding to purchase seventeen clean school buses.
• Winters Joint Unified has been selected to receive $200,000 in rebate funding to purchase one clean school bus.

In September 2023, the EPA announced at least $500 million in available funding nationwide for its 2023 Clean School Bus (CSB) rebates. After receiving an overwhelming number of applications from school districts nationwide, including from low-income communities, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, the EPA doubled the initial available funding in this round to nearly $1 billion.   

This third funding round will build on the almost $2 billion investment from the 2022 Rebates and 2023 Grants to further improve air quality in and around schools, reduce greenhouse gas pollution fueling the climate crisis, and help accelerate America’s leadership in developing the clean vehicles of the future. To ensure effective implementation, the EPA is partnering with other federal agencies through the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation to provide school districts with robust technical assistance. 

The selections announced today will provide funds to school districts in 47 states, Washington D.C., and several federally recognized Tribes and U.S. territories. Prioritized school districts in low-income, rural, and Tribal communities comprise approximately 45 percent of the selected projects and will receive approximately 67 percent of the total funding. The program advances President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution.  

The EPA is continuing to review selected applications and may make additional awards. The EPA is working with those applicants and will notify them of an award if their application meets all program requirements. As additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the CSB Awards webpage.  

The EPA will also make selections through additional funding rounds and other programs. For example, the EPA is accepting applications for the 2024 Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program until 11:59 PM ET on July 25, 2024. This program offers up to $932 million in available funding, 70% of which the EPA anticipates awarding to help pay for new, zero-emission Class 6 or 7 school buses.

About the Clean School Bus Program

Created by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA Clean School Bus Program received an unprecedented $5 billion to transform the nation’s school bus fleet. The Program funds electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, and propane and compressed natural gas buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions than their older diesel predecessors.

The Clean School Bus Program will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save money for school districts, and produce cleaner air. Diesel air pollution is linked to asthma and other conditions that harm students’ health and cause them to miss school, particularly in communities of color and Tribal communities. Phasing out these diesel engines will ensure cleaner air for students, bus drivers, and school staff working near the bus loading areas and the communities these buses drive through daily.

View the complete list of Clean School Bus Program awards here. 

Learn more about the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region on our Instagram, Facebook, X, and website.