Through the The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering $7 million for the 2017 School Bus Rebates.
Diesel engines emit harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and other pollutants, and replacing old buses with cleaner buses can improve public health. Replacement can reduce NOx and PM by as much as 90 percent.
New buses may be alternatively fueled with compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, hybrid, battery electric, liquefied natural gas (LNG), gas and other alternative fuels.
Up to $1 million in EPA’s school bus rebates are also available to retrofit older buses with verified clean diesel technologies that reduce emissions, like Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, Closed Crankcase Ventilation and Fuel Operated Heaters. Rebates for retrofits could be as much as $20,000, depending on eligible variables.
States, regions and school districts, municipal governments or tribal agencies are eligible. Private companies operating school buses may also apply.
Applications are limited based on the fleet size characteristics (below), as well as requirements that buses must have engine models that are 2006 or older, be in operation at least three days per week, accumulating a minimum of 10,000 miles transporting students over a period of 12 months and more.
New, or retrofitted buses, must operate for three years after school bus rebates are granted.
Applications are due to EPA by November 14, 2017.
